| griffon | 1. A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art. 2. A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge. 3. <zoology> 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. Alternative forms: gryphon. 4. An English early apple. Origin: OE. Griffin, griffon, griffoun, F. Griffon, fr. L. Gryphus, equiv to gryps, Gr.; so called because of the hooked beak, and akin to curved, hook-nosed. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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