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Webster 1913 Edition


Griffon

{

Grif′fin

,

Grif′fon

, }
Noun.
[OE.
griffin
,
griffon
,
griffoun
, F.
griffon
, fr. L.
gryphus
, equiv to
gryps
, Gr. [GREEK]; – so called because of the hooked beak, and akin to
γρυπόσ
curved, hook-nosed.]
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.
(Zool.)
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 1828 Edition


Griffon

GRIF'FON

,
Noun.
[L. gryps, gryphus.]
In the natural history of the ancients, an imaginary animal said to be generated between the lion and eagle. It is represented with four legs, wings and a beak, the upper part resembling an eagle, and the lower part a lion. This animal was supposed to watch over mines of gold and hidden treasures, and was consecrated to the sun. The figure of the griffon is seen on ancient medals, and is still borne in coat-armor. It is also an ornament of Greek architecture.

Definition 2024


griffon

griffon

English

Noun

griffon (plural griffons)

  1. Alternative form of griffin (legendary creature)
  2. A breed of dog usually called the Brussels Griffon, reminiscent of the legendary creature.
  3. griffon vulture

Translations

Anagrams


Norman

Noun

griffon m (plural griffons)

  1. (Jersey) scarifier

Old French

Alternative forms

Etymology

From grif, grip, from Latin grȳphus, gryps, from Ancient Greek γρύψ (grúps).

Noun

griffon m (oblique plural griffons, nominative singular griffons, nominative plural griffon)

  1. griffin (legendary creature)
  2. griffin (person of Greek, Middle Eastern or Asian descent)

Descendants