wild-cat Meaning, Definition & Usage

Unsound; worthless; irresponsible; unsafe; -- said to have been originally applied to the notes of an insolvent bank in Michigan upon which there was the figure of a panther.
(Railroad) Running without control; running along the line without a train; as, a wild-cat locomotive. Wildcat well. A well, as an oil or gas well, drilled in an area not proven to be productive; often drilled by a small exploration company. Wildcat strike. A strike initiated by workers without authorization of a union, or in violation of the work contract currently in force.