king of beasts

From Middle English king of bestes.

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɪŋ əv ˈbiːsts/

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king of beasts (plural kings of beasts)

1. (idiomatic) The lion.

   Coordinate term: queen of beasts

   • 1900 February 23, Hal Standish [pseudonym; Harvey King Shackleford], “Fred Fearnot in Johannesburg or, The Terrible Ride to Kimberley”, in Work and Win: An Interesting Weekly for Young America, number 64, New York, N.Y.: Frank Tousey, chapter VII (Terry’s Remarkable Exploit as a Lion Slayer), page 20, column 1:

     “Who shot the lions?” Fred asked. / “Yours truly,” answered Terry. “I shot them with my little gun. I wouldn’t tell a lie for a dozen lions.” Nearly every one in the command laughed heartily, and gathered around to see the big game. The scouts told how Terry had brought the two kings of beasts down, each at a single shot.