Mar 8, 2011 · Machek's etymological dictionary: slon: etymology is unclear, Protoslavic *slonъ perhaps a postverbale from the verb sloniti = acclinari (elephant reportedly cannot lie so he rests leant against the tree); the "Turkish" etymology (aslan = lion) is dubious; most probably slon < *slop-n < *solopont, related to Greek elephas (elephantis);