Med. [mod.L., a. Gr. λεοντίασις, f. λεοντ-, λέων LION: see -ASIS.] A form of leprosy in which the face assumes a dusky, wrinkled, and somewhat lion-like appearance.
1753. in Chambers, Cycl. Supp.
1884. Contemp. Rev., Aug., 211. Elephantiasis, Satyriasis, Leontiasis.
1898. P. Manson, Trop. Diseases, xxvi. 396. The bloated, dusky, wrinkled, greasy, passive countenance [of the leper] acquires the repulsive appearance very appropriately designated ‘leontiasis.’
