ˈlaɪən n. 1 (fem. lioness) a
large flesh-eating
cat, Panthera
leo, of Africa
and S. Asia,
with a
tawny coat and, in
the male, a
flowing shaggy mane. 2 (the Lion) the
zodiacal sign or
constellation Leo. 3 a
brave or celebrated
person. 4 the lion as a
national emblem of
Great Britain or as a
representation in
heraldry. ølion-heart a
courageous person (esp. as a
sobriquet of Richard I of England). lion-hearted brave and
generous. the lion's share the largest or
best part. øølionhood n. lion-like adj. [ME f. AF liun f. L leo -onis f. Gk leon leontos]