Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

Source : WordNet®

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}]