Griff'in or Griff'on, n.
n. [Fr. griffon, Pr. griffo, It. grifone, grifo, Sp. grifo, O. H. Ger. grif, grifo, N. H. Ger. greef, from Lat. gryphus, equivalent to gryps, Gr. γρύψ, γρυπός, from γρυπός, curved, hooked-nosed, because of their hooked beak.]
Sense 1. (Myth.) An imaginary animal, said to be generated between the lion and the eagle. It is represented with wings, a beak, and four legs, the upper part resembling an eagle, and the lower part a lion. The figure of the griffin is seen on ancient medals, and is still borne in coat-armor. It is also an ornament of Greek architecture. See GRYPHON.
Sense 2. (Zoöl.) A species of vulture (Vultur fulvus) found in the mountainous parts of Europe, North Africa, and Turkey. The bearded griffin is the Lemmergeyer.
