jackal

[ jak-uhl, -awl ]

noun

1. any of several nocturnal wild dogs of the genus Canis, especially C. aureus, of Asia and Africa, that scavenge or hunt in packs.
2. a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another.
3. a person who performs menial or degrading tasks for another.

jackal

/ ˈdʒækɔːl /

noun

1. any of several African or S Asian canine mammals of the genus Canis , closely related to the dog, having long legs and pointed ears and muzzle: predators and carrion-eaters
2. a person who does menial tasks for another
3. a villain, esp a swindler

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackal¹

1595–1605; < alteration, by association with Jack, of Persian shag ( h ) āl; cognate with Sanskrit śṛgāla

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackal¹

C17: from Turkish chakāl , from Persian shagāl , from Sanskrit srgāla

Example Sentences

Two thrillers with literary antecedents — “Cross” on Prime Video and “The Day of the Jackal” on Peacock — premiere Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times

Where “Cross” might be said to have a matte finish, “The Day of the Jackal,” created by the Northern Irish novelist and screenwriter Ronan Bennett, is high-gloss.

From Los Angeles Times

Set in a variety of sexy locations, some of them actually where they claim to be — including England, Turkey, Croatia, Estonia, Spain and Germany — it, too, is a serial-killer story in a way, though the resident psychopath, the Jackal, kills people for money rather than to gratify some bizarre psychosis.

From Los Angeles Times

A master of disguise, the Jackal first appears in elaborate — yet, to the viewer, obvious — prosthetics to make him look like a specific janitor in a building he’s planning to breach.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Bianca’s doggedness mirrors the Jackal’s — they also share certain work-life problems — Lynch’s innate soulfulness softens her character.

From Los Angeles Times