from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Jackal \Jack"al`\, n. [Pers. shagh[=a]l: cf. OF. jackal, F.
chacal; cf. Skr. [,c][.r]g[=a]la.]
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1. (Zool.) Any one of several species of carnivorous animals
inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf.
They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed
largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and
dismal howling.
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Note: The common species of Southern Asia ({Canis aureus}) is
yellowish gray, varied with brown on the shoulders,
haunches, and legs. The common African species ({Canis
anthus}) is darker in color.
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2. One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals
were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.
[Colloq.] --Ld. Lytton.
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