[F., fem. of lion LION.]
† 1. A lioness. Obs.
a. 1400. Isumbras, 180. So come a lyonne with latys unmylde, And in hir pawes scho hent the childe.
ǁ 2. A woman of the highest fashion.
1846. Louisa S. Costello, Tour Venice, 384. I was much amused at the splendid dresses of the lionnes, and the singularity of that of the lions of the Tyrol.
1856. Ruskin, Mod. Paint., III. IV. v. § 11. The lionne of the ball-room, whom youth and passion can as easily distinguish as [etc.].
