Grif"fin (?), n.
An Anglo-Indian name for a person just arrived from Europe.
H. Kingsley.
© Webster 1913.
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 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 1913.