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

[Middle English, from Old French leupart, from Late Latin leopardus, from Greek leopardos : Greek leōn, lion; see lion + Greek pardos, pard; see pard.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.