bobcat

[bob-kat] /ˈbɒbˌkæt/
noun, plural bobcats (especially collectively) bobcat.
1.
a North American wildcat, Lynx rufus, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, having a brownish coat with black spots.
Also called bay lynx.
Origin
1885-90, Americanism; bob(tail) + cat1
Examples from the web for bobcat
  • Sometimes bobcat, and lynx, or moose and pine martens.
  • Other large mammals include the bobcat, mountain lion, coyote and fox.
  • Coyotes-and from time to time a mountain lion, bobcat, or bear-amble through the town.
  • The bobcat breeds from winter into spring and has a gestation period of about two months.
  • Tracks bobcat tracks show four toes without claw marks, due to their retractable claws.
British Dictionary definitions for bobcat

bobcat

/ˈbɒbˌkæt/
noun
1.
a North American feline mammal, Lynx rufus, closely related to but smaller than the lynx, having reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes, tufted ears, and a short tail Also called bay lynx
Word Origin
C19: from bob² (referring to its short tail) + cat1
Word Origin and History for bobcat
n.

North American lynx, 1873, in a Maine context; so called for its short tail; see bob (n.2) + cat (n.).