tiger (tiger)

[Formerly also tyger, tigre, tygre; IMG:content-0413.jpg:[graphic][merged small] tiger the two largest living cats (the other being the lion), of the family Felidæ. The tiger is beautifully striped with black and tawny yellow; it has no mane. The female, when distinguished, is called ti gre . The tiger inhabits southern Asia and some of the larger islands belonging to that continent, having there the same position that the lion has in Africa. The tiger attains his full development in India, the name ne Bengal tiger being used as synonymous with those specimens which appear as the most typical and most powerful representatives of the species. In habits the tiger is far more active and agile than the lion, and exhibits a large amount of fierce cunning. He generally selects as his lair a concealed spot near a watercourse, whence to spring upon the animals that approach to drink. His tread through the thick jungle is stealthy, and he appears to avoid rather than court danger, unle when brought to bay, when he turns an appalling front to the foe. Tigers do not generally attack man, but in some cases they seem to acquire a special liking for human prey, and boldly approach villages for the purpose of securing it; such are known as man-eaters (see man - eater, 2). In some districts the lo of human life is enough to become a matter of official statistics. The natives destroy them by traps, pits, poisoned arrows, and other means. Tiger-hunting is a favorite Indian sport. It is pursued generally by Europe ans, the tiger being shot from the back of an elephant. When taken young the tiger can be tamed, and tigers thus domesticated are not rarely to be seen in India. 2. The thylacine dasyure, or tiger-wolf: so called from the stripes. See thylacine (with cut).-3. A person of a fierce, bloodthirsty disposition.4. A di olute swaggering dandy; a ruffling blade; a swaggerer; a hector; a bully; a mohawk. "A man may have a very good coat-of-arms, and be a tiger , my boy," the Major said, chipping his egg: "that man is a tiger , mark my word - a low man." Thackeray , Pen dennis, xx. 5. [Humorously compared to a tiger in a show wagon driven about the streets in parade.] A groom who goes out with the equipage of his master-that is, with the dog-cart, curricle, cab, or other vehicle driven by the master himself, his duty being to take care of the equipage when the master has left the box. His tiger , Tim, was clean of limb, His boots were polished, his jacket was trim. With a very smart tie in his smart cravat, And a little cockade on the top of his hat, Tallest of boys or shortest of men, He stood in his stockings just four feet ten. Barham , In golds by Legends, I. 283. 6. [Appar. so called as being "an ornamental addition": in allusion to the tiger or groom (def. 5) who sits as if a mere ornament in the vehicle which his master drives.] An additional cheer; "one more" (often the word tiger ): as, three cheers and a tiger. [Colloq.] -7. In sugar 6334