From presence ship to fast battleship

The distinction between 'battle cruiser' and 'battlecruiser' describes changing design priorities. Invincible and Indefatigable sit near the presence, commerce, and scouting end of the spectrum. Lion and Queen Mary move toward a heavier fighting role, while Tiger and especially Hood approach the fast-battleship end. Ships expected to trade sustained capital-ship fire need protection that lets them absorb punishment while returning it. Lexington's design therefore has to be judged by its intended employment, rather than by armour figures alone.