griffin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion
    gryphon; griffon.

WordNet

Grif"fin noun
Definitions
  1. An Anglo-Indian name for a person just arrived from Europe. H. Kingsley.
Grif"fin, Grif"fon noun (Also<
  • Griffin
  • Griffon
)
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
  2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge.
  3. (Zoöl.) 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.
  4. An English early apple.

Webster 1913