Definition of "leopard" []

• A large, ferocious cat (Panthera pardus) of Africa and southern Asia, having either tawny fur with dark rosettelike markings or black fur. (noun)
• Any of several felines, such as the cheetah or the snow leopard. (noun)
• The pelt or fur of this animal. (noun)
• Heraldry A lion in side view, having one forepaw raised and the head facing the observer. (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.

• "A Lion walking and looking about him, the early Heralds held to be acting the part of a leopard: consequently, when he was in any such attitude, they blazoned him as “_a leopard_.”"
• "I have always avoided the use of the term leopard, except when speaking of the hunting chita, preferring to call the others panthers."
• "Although the term leopard, as applied to panthers, has the sanction of almost immemorable custom, I do not see why, in writing on the subject, we should perpetuate the misnomer, especially as most naturalists and sportsmen are now inclined to make the proper distinction."