Grif"fin (?), 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.]
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
Grif"fon (grif"fon), n. [F.]
One of a European breed of rough-coated dogs, somewhat taller than the setter and of a grizzly liver color. They are used in hunt game birds. The Brussels griffon is a very small, wiry- coated, short-nosed pet dog of Belgian origin.
© Webster 1913