▪ I. lionne
(ljɔn)
[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. |
‖ 2. A woman of the highest fashion.
| 1846 L. 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.]. |
▪ II. lionne, -esse
obs. forms of lion, lioness.