Jăck'al, n.

(Synop., §130), n. [O. Fr. jackal, ja-kal, jackal, N. Fr. chacal, Sp. chacal, It. sciacal, Per. shagāl, shigāl, Skr. srigāla. Cf. Heb. shāāl, fox.] (Zoöl.) A carnivorous animal (Canis aureus), allied to the wolf, of a yellowish-gray color mixed with tawny, having a very pointed muzzle, and rather short tail. It is gregarious and nocturnal in its habits, and remarkable for its piercing wail. It is a native of India and Persia. Other species, as C. mesomelas, are found in Africa. All jackals feed on carrion, but hunt small game, and are known to feed sometimes on fruits. Eng. Cyc.