LION

female also lioness [noun] [C] - a large strong African and Indian animal with four legs and light brown fur which eats meat and belongs to the cat familyLions live in small groups called prides in grassland and open woodland.A mature male lion can be identified by the long dark mane of hair around its face and neck.His face was scarred for life when he was mauled by a circus lion.Lionesses usually have about four cubs in a litter but they can have as many as seven.Stephanie was an amazing girl and had the courage of a lioness.See pictures: Cats, AnimalsA lion is someone who is important or successful and is very enthusiastic and energetic about what they are doing.He is one of the young jazz lions (= people who are starting to become important or successful) on the New York music scene.A lion's den is a dangerous or threatening place.It's your turn for the lion's den. Paul wants to see you in his office straightaway.(literary) Someone who is lion-hearted is very brave.Our lion-hearted fighter pilots are the rulers of the skies.The lion's share of something is the largest part of it or most of it.Reputable charities spend the lion's share of donations on aid and a tiny fraction on administration.