jackal

US /ˈdʒæk.əl/
UK /ˈdʒæk.əl/
"jackal" picture
1.

a wild dog found in Africa and Asia, typically with a yellowish-brown coat, a bushy tail, and a pointed muzzle. Jackals are scavengers and hunters of small prey.

:
The jackal howled under the desert moon.
Jackals often scavenge for food left by larger predators.
2.

a person who behaves in a servile or obsequious way, especially to someone in power, or who acts as a subordinate to a more powerful or unscrupulous person.

:
He was nothing more than a jackal, doing the bidding of his corrupt boss.
The politician was surrounded by jackals eager to gain favor.