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Webster 1913 Edition

Lion

Li′on

(lī′ŭn)
,
Noun.
[F.
lion
, L.
leo
,
-onis
, akin to Gr.
λέων
. Cf.
Chameleon
,
Dandelion
,
Leopard
.]
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 time
.
Such 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.
[L. leo, leonis, Gr.]
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.

Definition 2024

Lion

Lion

See also: lion, lìon, and líon

French

Lion

Proper noun

Lion m

  1. Leo (constellation)
  2. (astrology) Leo (star sign)

Anagrams

Manx

Etymology

From Old Irish Laigin.

Proper noun

Lion m

  1. Leinster (province of Ireland)

References

  • “Laigin” in Dictionary of the Irish Language, Royal Irish Academy, 1913–76.

lion

lion

See also: Lion, lìon, and líon

English

A lion.

Alternative forms

Noun

lion ‎(plural lions or lion, feminine lioness)

  1. A big cat, Panthera leo, native to Africa, India and formerly to much of Europe. The term may apply to the species as a whole, to individuals, or to male individuals. It also applies to related species like mountain lions.
    Tigers and lions share a common ancestor from a few million years ago.
    1. A male lion.
  2. (heraldry) A stylized representation of a large cat, used on a coat of arms.
  3. A Chinese foo dog.
  4. An individual who shows strength and courage, attributes associated with the lion.
    • 2003, Peter Armstrong and Angus McBride, Stirling Bridge & Falkirk 1297–98: William Wallace's Rebellion:
      It was said of [Edward Plantaganet] that 'he was a lion for pride and ferocity but a pard for inconstancy and changeableness, not keeping his word or promise but excusing himself with fair words'.
  5. A famous person regarded with interest and curiosity.
    • Prof. Wilson
      Such society was far more enjoyable than that of Edinburgh, for here he was not a lion, but a man.
    • 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, ch. 4
      Rose Waterford was a cynic. She looked upon life as an opportunity for writing novels and the public as her raw material. Now and then she invited members of it to her house if they showed an appreciation of her talent and entertained with proper lavishness. She held their weakness for lions in good-humoured contempt, but played to them her part of the distinguished woman of letters with decorum.
  6. A light brown color that resembles the fur of a lion
    lion colour:    

Coordinate terms

Holonyms

  • (individual Panthera leo): pride

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

Adjective

lion ‎(comparative more lion, superlative most lion)

  1. Of the light brown color that resembles the fur of a lion.

See also

Anagrams

French

Etymology

From Old French, from Latin leō, from Greek λέων (leon)

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ljɔ̃/
  • Rhymes: -jɔ̃
  • Homophone: Lyon

Noun

lion m ‎(plural lions, feminine lionne)

  1. (zoology) lion
    1. (specifically) male lion
  2. (figuratively) lion (brave person)
    Se défendre comme un lion, - to defend oneself with great courage
  3. (heraldry) lion
  4. (figuratively, dated) lion (celebrity; famous person)
  5. (dated) a style of elegant young man that came after the dandy

Related terms

Anagrams

Old French

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Latin leō, derived from Ancient Greek λέων ‎(léōn).

Noun

lion m ‎(oblique plural lions, nominative singular lions, nominative plural lion)

  1. lion (animal)

Descendants

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ljɔ̃/

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