Definition

any of several small omnivorous canids (such as Canis aureus) of Africa and Asia having large ears, long legs, and bushy tails
a person who performs routine or menial tasks for another
a person who serves or collaborates with another especially in the commission of base acts

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology

Turkish çakal, from Persian shaqāl, of Indo-Aryan origin; akin to Sanskrit sṛgāla jackal

jackal

noun

jack·al

ˈja-kəl also -ˌkȯl

any of several small omnivorous canids (such as Canis aureus) of Africa and Asia having large ears, long legs, and bushy tails
a person who performs routine or menial tasks for another
a person who serves or collaborates with another especially in the commission of base acts

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology

Turkish çakal, from Persian shaqāl, of Indo-Aryan origin; akin to Sanskrit sṛgāla jackal