Lyn*ce"an (?), a. [See Lynx.] (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the lynx.
Lynch (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lynched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lynching.]
[See Note under Lynch law.] To inflict punishment upon, especially
death, without the forms of law, as when a mob captures and hangs a
suspected person. See Lynch law.
Lynch"er (?), n. One who assists in lynching.
Lynch" law` (?). The act or practice by private persons of inflicting
punishment for crimes or offenses, without due process of law.
The term Lynch law is said to be derived from a Virginian named Lynch,
who took the law into his own hands. But the origin of the term is very
doubtful.
{ Lynde (?), Lyn"den (?) }, n. See Linden.
Lyne (?), n. Linen. [Obs.] Spenser.
Lynx (lks), n. [L. lynx, lyncis, Gr. ly`gx; akin to AS. lox, G. luchs,
prob. named from its sharp sight, and akin to E. light. See Light, n.,
and cf. Ounce an animal.] 1. (Zoöl.) Any one of several species of
feline animals of the genus Felis, and subgenus Lynx. They have a short
tail, and usually a pencil of hair on the tip of the ears.
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Among the well-known species are the European lynx (Felis borealis);
the Canada lynx or loup-cervier (F. Canadensis); the bay lynx of
America (F. rufa), and its western spotted variety (var. maculata); and
the pardine lynx (F. pardina) of Southern Europe.