Definition of "jackal" []

• Any of several doglike mammals of the genus Canis of Africa and southern Asia that are mainly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion. (noun)
• An accomplice or a lackey who aids in the commission of base or disreputable acts. (noun)
• One who performs menial tasks for another. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "People need government to work for them, and this jackal is pleased that he and his party have been able to halt operations and progress."
• "Ventura says he's not seeking re-election because he doesn't want his family subjected to any more sniping from reporters, who he only half-jokingly suggested be required to wear the word jackal on their press passes."
• "Over time, the best hybrids might have been much more wolf than jackal overall while retaining certain jackal behavioral characteristic."