tomcat

English

Etymology

From a story by an anonymous author published in 1760 called The Life and Adventures of a Cat in which the male cat, then known as a ram cat, was called Tom. (Reference: Desmond Morris, Catwatching.) (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

tomcat (plural tomcats)

1. A tom, a male cat.

Translations

tom — see tom

Verb

tomcat (third-person singular simple present tomcatt, present participle ing, simple past and past participle tomcated)

1. To prowl for sexual gratification.

Derived terms

• cat
• cat around
• tomcat around

See also

• caterwaul