Obs. Chiefly Her. Forms: pl. 5 leonnceux, lyonsewes, 6 lionne-sewys, 7 lionceaux. [a. F. lionceau, OF. also leonceau ‘a Lyons whelpe’ (Cotgr.), later form of lioncel LIONCEL.] A young lion; = LIONCEL.
c. 1450. Merlin, 413. This lyon crowned hadde in his companye xviij lyonsewes crowned.
c. 1450. Mirour Saluacioun, 1167. Twelve leonnceux ouer sex greces Salomones throne exourned.
c. 1500. Sc. Poem Heraldry, 147, in Q. Eliz. Acad., 99. Twa thingis in armis sal end in schewis a[l]wey;… As lionne-sewys, to sey, and heronne-sewis.
1610. Guillim, Heraldry, I. vi. 24. Six … Lionceaux rampant purpure.
