Tongue almost swallowed by lion? (4)

I believe the answer is:

inca

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'tongue' is the definition.
(language of the Incas)

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

(Other definitions for inca that I've seen before include "Foreign ruler" , "Ancient South American" , "Member of old South American Indian people of Peru" , "Pre-conquest South American people" , "Aged Peruvian" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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