griffon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion
    gryphon; griffin.
  2. noun breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle
    Belgian griffon; Brussels griffon.
  3. noun breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but largely developed in France
    wire-haired pointing griffon.
  4. noun large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having pale plumage with black wings
    Gyps fulvus; griffon vulture.

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