Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪnləs] (IPA) 
The word "maneless" is spelled M-A-N-E-L-E-S-S, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈmeɪnləs/, with the "a" sounding like "ay" and the "e" like "uh". This word is used to describe an animal, typically a horse or a lion, that does not have a mane. The word "mane" refers to the long, thick hair that grows from the neck and back of these animals. "Maneless" implies that there is a lack of this defining feature.
Maneless is an adjective used to describe an animal lacking a mane, particularly referring to the absence of the distinctive long hair growth on the upper neck and shoulders of certain mammals. The term is most commonly associated with lions, which are renowned for their majestic manes; however, it can also apply to other animals such as horses, zebras, and certain species of antelopes.
In the case of lions, a maneless individual typically refers to a male lion that displays an atypical or reduced mane growth. These lions may exhibit little to no hair on their head, neck, and shoulders, resulting in a discernibly different appearance compared to the majority of their species. The mane itself provides a range of functions in lions, including protection against rival males during fights, insulation from weather conditions, and intimidation display to attract potential mates.
Beyond lions, the term maneless is used to describe other animals in a similar context. For instance, some breeds of horses may possess a genetic variant resulting in a reduction or complete absence of mane. Similarly, certain species of zebras and antelopes may exhibit little to no mane growth, leading to their classification as maneless.
Overall, the term maneless refers to the absence or reduced growth of a mane in animals, typically emphasizing the lack of hair on the upper neck and shoulders, and often carries a special significance within a particular species.
The word "maneless" is derived from the combination of two words: "mane" and "less".
The word "mane" originated from the Old English word "māne", which was adopted from the Old Norse word "mǫn" or "mani". In Old English, "māne" referred to the long hair on the neck and upper back of certain animals, particularly the horse. The term extended to refer to the long thick hair growing along the top of the neck of a lion or other animals as well.
The word "less" comes from the Old English word "lǣs" or "lǣssa", which means "without" or "lacking". When combined, "maneless" describes an animal, particularly a lion or a horse, that lacks a mane or has an extremely reduced or absent mane.
