Definition of: cat

(kat) noun
1. A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Felis domestica) with retractile claws: it kills mice and rats and is of worldwide distribution in various breeds. ◆ Collateral adjective: feline.
2. Any animal of the cat family (Felidae), as a lion, tiger, lynx, ocelot, etc.
3. Naut. A purchase for hoisting an anchor.
4. A whip with nine lashes; a cat–o'–nine–tails.
5. A catboat.
6. A double–pointed piece of wood used in the game of tipcat; also, the game.
7. A game of ball, called from the number of batters one old (or o') cat, two old cat, etc.
8. Colloq. A spiteful woman given to gossip and scandal.
9. Colloq. A prostitute.
10. U.S. Colloq. A Caterpillar tractor.
11. U.S. Slang A musician in a jazz band.
—to let the cat out of the bag To divulge a secret.
—see which way the cat jumps See how things turn out.
—v.t. cat·ted, cat·ting To hoist or raise to and fasten at the cathead, as an anchor.
2. To flog with a cat–o'–nine–tails. [OE cat, catte]