2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Jackal  \Jack"al`\,  n.  [Pers.  shagh[=a]l:  cf  OF  jackal,  F. 
  chacal;  cf  Skr.  [,c][.r]g[=a]la.] 
  1.  (Zo["o]l.)  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. 
 
  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  ({C. 
  anthus})  is  darker  in  color. 
 
  2.  One  who  does  mean  work  for  another's  advantage,  as  jackals 
  were  once  thought  to  kill  game  which  lions  appropriated. 
  [Colloq.]  --Ld.  Lytton. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  jackal 
  n  :  Old  World  nocturnal  canine  mammal  closely  related  to  the 
  dog;  smaller  than  a  wolf;  sometimes  hunts  in  a  pack  but 
  usually  singly  or  as  a  member  of  a  pair  [syn:  {Canis 
  aureus}] 

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