Definition of: wildcat

(wīld′kat′) noun
1. A small, undomesticated feline carnivore (Felis sylvestris) of Europe, resembling the domestic cat, but larger and stronger.
2. The North American bobcat (genus Lynx).
3. One of several other small felines, as the ocelot and serval.
4. Figuratively, an aggressive, quick–tempered person.
5. An unattached locomotive and its tender, used on special work, as when sent out to haul a train, etc.
6. A successful oil well drilled in an area previously unproductive.
7. A tricky or unsound business venture; specifically, a worthless mine. Also wild cat.
—adjective
1. Unsound; risky; especially, financially unsound or risky: a wildcat venture.
2. Illegal; made, produced, or carried on without official sanction or authorization.
3. Not running on schedule time; also, running wild or without control, as a railroad train or engine.
—v.t. & v.i. ·cat·ted, ·cat·ting To drill for oil in (an area not known to be productive).
—wild′cat′ting noun & adjective