I. jack·al ˈjakəl also -ˌkȯl noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Turkish çakal, from Persian shagāl, shaghāl, from Sanskrit sṛgāla, śṛgāla
1.
a. : any of several wild dogs of the Old World, smaller, usually more yellowish, and less daring than wolves, sometimes hunting in packs at night but more usually singly or in pairs, and feeding on carrion and small animals (as poultry) ; especially : a common wild dog ( Canis aureus ) of southeastern Europe, southern Asia, and northern Africa
b. : the fur or pelt of this animal
2.
a. : a person who tends to the routine needs of or performs menial tasks for another : drudge
b. : an individual who for mercenary or self-seeking ends serves or collaborates with another especially in the commission of base or sordid acts
blackmailed by one of his jackals — Edmund Wilson
denounced these jackal tactics — Stringfellow Barr
II. jac·kal həˈkäl noun
( -s )
Etymology: by alteration
: jacal