Lion
Pronunciation
- enPR: lī'ən, IPA: /ˈlaɪən/
- Rhymes: -aɪən
Origin
From Old French lion, from Latin leÅ, (genitive: leÅnis), from Ancient Greek λÎων, likely a borrowing from a Semitic language; compare Proto-Semitic *labiʾ-. Many ancient languages possessed similar words for lion, including Akkadian 𒌨
. It is unclear as to who borrowed the word from whom, though the ultimate source is likely non-Indo-European.
Full definition of lion
Noun
- 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.
- A male lion.
- (heraldiccharge) A stylized representation of a large cat, used on a coat of arms.
- A Chinese foo dog.
- 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 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'.
- A famous person regarded with interest and curiosity.
- Prof. WilsonSuch society was far more enjoyable than that of Edinburgh, for here he was not a lion, but a man.
- 1919, William Somerset Maugham, ,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.
Coordinate terms
Holonyms
- (individual Panthera leo) pride