Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Lion
Li′on
(lī′ŭn)
, Noun.
1.
(Zool.)
A large carnivorous feline mammal (
Panthera leo
, formerly Felis leo
), found in Southern Asia and in most parts of Africa, distinct varieties occurring in the different countries. The adult male, in most varieties, has a thick mane of long shaggy hair that adds to his apparent size, which is less than that of the largest tigers. The length, however, is sometimes eleven feet to the base of the tail. The color is a tawny yellow or yellowish brown; the mane is darker, and the terminal tuft of the tail is black. In one variety, called the maneless lion
, the male has only a slight mane. 2.
(Astron.)
A sign and a constellation; Leo.
3.
An object of interest and curiosity, especially a person who is so regarded;
as, he was quite a
. lion
in London at that timeSuch society was far more enjoyable than that of Edinburgh, for here he was not a
lion
, but a man. Prof. Wilson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Lion
LI'ON
,Noun.
1.
A quadruped of the genus Felis, very strong, fierce and rapacious. The largest lions are eight or nine feet in length. The male has a thick head, beset with long bushy hair of a yellowish color. The lion is a native of Africa and the warm climates of Asia. His aspect is noble, his gait stately, and his roar tremendous.2.
A sign in the zodiac.