tiger

tiger [tī′gər]

n.

pl. tigers or tiger [ME tygre < OE tiger & OFr tigre, both < L tigris < Gr < Iran tigra-, sharp < IE base * (s)teig- > STICK]

1. a large, fierce Asian cat (Panthera tigris), having a tawny coat striped with black

2. any of several similar animals; esp.,

a) the South American jaguar

b) the African leopard

c) the Tasmanian wolf

3.

a) a very energetic or persevering person

b) a fierce, belligerent person

☆ 4. Archaic a loud yell (often the word “tiger”) at the end of a round of cheers

——————

☆ have a tiger by the tail

to find oneself in a situation from which it may be more dangerous or difficult to escape than to stay

tigerish

adj.