Pronunciation: (lī'un), [key]
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. (cap.) Astron., Astrol.the constellation or sign of Leo.
7. (cap.) 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.
a. a silver, Anglo-Gallic denier, issued during the reign of Henry III, bearing the figure of a lion.
b. a gold coin of Scotland, issued c1400–1589, bearing the figure of a lion.
c. any of various other coins bearing the figure of a lion.
9. Brit.an object of interest or note.
10. beard the lion in its den, to confront or attack someone, esp. a powerful or feared person, in that person's own familiar surroundings.
11. twist the lion's tail, to tax the patience of or provoke a person, group, nation, or government, esp. that of Great Britain.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.