- gryphon
- Griffin Grif"fin, Griffon Grif"fon, n. [OE. griffin,
griffon, griffoun, F. griffon, fr. L. gryphus, equiv to
gryps, Gr. ?; -- so called because of the hooked beak, and
akin to grypo`s curved, hook-nosed.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It
is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge. [1913 Webster]
3. (Zo["o]l.) A species of large vulture ({Gyps fulvus}) found in the mountainous parts of Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor; -- called also {gripe}, and {grype}. It is supposed to be the ``eagle'' of the Bible. The {bearded griffin} is the {lammergeir}. [Written also {gryphon}.] [1913 Webster]
4. An English early apple. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.