panther
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈpænθə//
- United States//ˈpænθəɹ//
- //ˈpæntə(ɹ)//
- //ˈpeɪntə(ɹ)//
Any of various big cats with black fur; most especially, the black-coated leopard of Africa and Asia.
noun
- 1
Any of various big cats with black fur; most especially, the black-coated leopard of Africa and Asia.
- 2
Any big cat of the genus Panthera.
- 3
A cougar; especially the Florida panther.
- 4
slangA girl, especially a young one, who pursues older men.
- 5
A creature resembling a big cat, typically incensed (“emitting fire”), and often having a multicolored hide, found in Ancient Greek mythology and in medieval and later heraldry (in which its depiction sometimes approaches that of a horse).
Etymology
From Middle English pantere, panter, from Old French pantere, from Latin panthēra, from Ancient Greek πάνθηρ (pánthēr, “panther”).
Forms
- plural
- panthers
panther · Any of various big cats with black fur; most especially, the black-coated leopard of Africa and Asia.
Panther · A member of the Black Panther Party, White Panther Party or…panties · Underpants for women and girls.panting · The act of one who pants.