Definition of "wildcat"

A cat that lives in the wilderness, specifically

1. (UK) Felis silvestris, a common small Old World wild cat somewhat larger than a house cat.  examples

2. (US) A bobcat (Lynx rufus) or other similar New World species of lynx.  examples

3. Any feral cat.  examples

4. (uncommon) Alternative spelling of wild cat, any undomesticated felid, as tigers or lions.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Upon checking it out, we found a total of 13 newborn wildcats: nine newborn tigers and two newborn leopards.

     2003 April 24, CNN

(figurative) A person who acts like a wildcat, (usually) a violent and easily-angered person or a sexually vigorous one.  quotations  examples

(American football) An offensive formation with an unbalanced line and a snap directly to the running back rather than the quarterback.  examples

(nautical) A wheel that can be adjusted so as to revolve either with or on the shaft of a capstan.  examples

(firearms) Clipping of wildcat cartridge.  examples

(uncommon) Clipping of wildcat strike, a strike undertaken without authorization from the relevant trade union.  examples

(obsolete) Clipping of wildcat money, notes issued by a wildcat bank.

(usually derogatory) Of or concerning businesses operating outside standard or legitimate practice, especially:  quotations

1. (derogatory, dated) Of or concerning irresponsible banks or banking, (particularly) small, independent operations.  examples

2. (oil industry) Of or concerning oil exploration in new areas, (particularly) small, independent operations.  examples

3. Of or concerning actions undertaken by workers without approval or in defiance of the formal leadership of their trade unions.  examples

(firearms) Of or concerning customized or hand-made cartridges.  examples

Unauthorized by the proper authorities.  quotations  examples

(oil industry) To drill for oil in an area where no oil has been found before.  quotations  examples