A hero with pride (4)

I believe the answer is:

lion

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'a hero' is the definition.
(lion can mean a brave person)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for lion that I've seen before include "King of the forest" , "British RU cap" , "King of sorts" , "King of the jungle" , "Big cat with pride" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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