[li.on] n, pl lions [ME, fr. OF, fr. L leon-, leo, fr. Gk leon] (12c) 1 a or pl lion : a large heavily-built social cat (Panthera leo syn. Leo leo) of open or rocky areas chiefly of sub-Saharan Africa though once widely distributed throughout Africa and southern Asia that has a tawny body with a tufted tail and a shaggy blackish or dark brown mane in the male b: any of several large wildcats; esp: cougar c cap: leo
2. a: a person felt to resemble a lion (as in courage or ferocity) b: a person of outstanding interest or importance 3 cap [Lions (club)]: a member of a major national and international service club -- li.on.like adj