panther (pănth&etilde_;r), n. [OE. pantere, F. panthère, L. panthera, Gr. panqhr, prob. fr. Skr. pundrīka a tiger.][1913 Webster]
1. (Zoöl.) A large dark-colored variety of the leopard, by some zoölogists considered a distinct species. It is marked with large ringlike spots, the centers of which are darker than the color of the body.[1913 Webster]
2. (Zoöl.) In America, the name is applied to the puma, or cougar, and sometimes to the jaguar.[1913 Webster]
[1913 Webster]
Panther cat (Zoöl.), the ocelot. -- Panther cowry (Zoöl.), a spotted East Indian cowry (Cypræa pantherina); -- so called from its color.[1913 Webster]