tiger cat

noun

1. any of several felines, as the ocelot or margay, that resemble the tiger in coloration or ferocity but are smaller.
2. a spotted marsupial cat, Dasyurus ( Dasyurops ) maculatus.
3. a domestic cat having a striped coat resembling that of a tiger.

tiger cat

noun

1. a medium-sized feline mammal, Felis tigrina, of Central and South America, having a dark-striped coat
2. any similar feline with tiger-like markings, such as the margay

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiger cat¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

“I think I never saw such a tiger cat,” remarked the old gentleman when she had finished.

From Project Gutenberg

And then, to his astonishment, this tiger-cat became suddenly metamorphosed into a dove.

From Project Gutenberg

The animal called the margay is really a kind of small ocelot, and it is sometimes known as the tiger-cat.

From Project Gutenberg

We were merely talking about a certain dishonest parson who rode in hay-carts, when the fellow sprang on Jones like a tiger-cat.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no way of escape for him, however, and he sprang like a tiger-cat at the ensign.

From Project Gutenberg