/lep"euhrd/ , n.
1. a large, spotted Asian or African carnivore, Panthera pardus, of the cat family, usually tawny with black markings; the Old World panther: all leopard populations are threatened or endangered.
2. the fur or pelt of this animal.
3. any of various related cats resembling this animal.
4. Heraldry. a lion represented from the side as walking, usually with one forepaw raised, and looking toward the spectator.
5. Numis.
a. an Anglo-Gallic gold coin issued by Edward III, equal to half a florin, bearing the figure of a leopard.
b. a silver Anglo-Gallic coin issued by Henry V.
6. ( cap. ) Mil. a 42-ton (38-m ton) West German tank with a 105mm gun.
[ 1250-1300; ME leopardus leópardos, syncopated var. of LEONTÓPARDOS, equiv. to leonto- (s. of léon ) LION + párdos PARD 1 ]