jackal

noun

Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.

noun

One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.

noun

One who performs menial tasks for another.

noun

A kind of wild dog somewhat resembling a fox, which inhabits Asia and Africa; one of several species of old-world fox-like Canidæ, of the genus Canis, as C. aureus of Asia, or C. anthus of Africa.

noun

Hence Any one who does dirty work for another; one who meanly serves the purpose of another.

noun

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.

noun

One who does mean work for another’s advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.

noun

Any of several wild canine species, native to the tropical Old World, smaller than a wolf.

noun

A person who performs menial/routine tasks, dogsbody