U.S. [Short for jackass-rabbit (see JACKASS 5); so called from its long ears.] One of several species of large prairie-hares (Lepus campestris, L. callotis, etc.), with remarkably long ears and legs.
1882. W. H. Bishop, in Harper’s Mag., Nov., 869/1. The jack-rabbits [speed for their holes] with long kangaroo-like bounds.
1897. Beatrice Harraden, Remittance Man, 215. She would never again go bounding over the hills, chasing the jack-rabbits and the cotton-tails.
