lion

[ lahy-uhn ]

noun

1. a large, usually tawny-yellow cat, Panthera leo, native to Africa and southern Asia, having a tufted tail and, in the male, a large mane.
2. any of various related large wildcats, as the cougar.
3. a man of great strength, courage, etc.
4. a person of great importance, influence, charm, etc., who is much admired as a celebrity:

   a literary lion.

5. the lion as the national emblem of Great Britain.
6. Leo, Astronomy, Astrology. the constellation or sign of Leo.
7. Leo, a member of any one of the internationally affiliated service clubs International Association of Lions Clubs founded in 1917 and dedicated to promoting responsible citizenship, sound government, and community, national, and international welfare.
8. Numismatics.
   1. a silver, Anglo-Gallic denier, issued during the reign of Henry III, bearing the figure of a lion.
   2. a gold coin of Scotland, issued c1400–1589, bearing the figure of a lion.
   3. any of various other coins bearing the figure of a lion.
   4. hardhead ².
9. British. an object of interest or note.

Lion

¹

/ ˈlaɪən /

noun

1. the Lion
   the constellation Leo, the fifth sign of the zodiac

lion

²

/ ˈlaɪən /

noun

1. a large gregarious predatory feline mammal, Panthera leo, of open country in parts of Africa and India, having a tawny yellow coat and, in the male, a shaggy mane leonine
2. a conventionalized lion, the principal beast used as an emblem in heraldry. It has become the national emblem of Great Britain
3. a courageous, strong, or bellicose person
4. a celebrity or idol who attracts much publicity and a large following
5. beard the lion in his den
   to approach a feared or influential person, esp in order to ask a favour
6. the lion's share
   the largest portion

Other Words From

• lion·esque adjective
• lion·like lion·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lion¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, from Old French, variant of leon, from Latin leōn- (stem of leō ), from Greek léōn; replacing Middle English, Old English lēo, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of lion¹

Old English līo, lēo (Middle English lioun, from Anglo-French liun ), both from Latin leo, Greek leōn

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. beard the lion in its den, to confront or attack someone, especially a powerful or feared person, in that person's own familiar surroundings.
2. twist the lion's tail, to tax the patience of or provoke a person, group, nation, or government, especially that of Great Britain.

More idioms and phrases containing lion

In addition to the idiom beginning with lion , also see beard the lion ; throw to the wolves (lions) .

Related Words

• cat
• cougar
• wildcat