Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
(Heb.
namer, so called because spotted,
Song 4:8), was that great spotted feline which anciently infested the mountains of Syria, more appropriately called a panther (Felis pardus). Its fierceness (
Isa. 11:6), its watching for its prey (
Jer. 5:6), its swiftness (
Hab. 1:8), and the spots of its skin (
Jer. 13:23), are noticed. This word is used symbolically (
Dan. 7:6; Rev. 13:2).