The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gyps fulvus
Griffin \Grif"fin\, Griffon \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.]
(Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
(Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge.
(Zo["o]l.) 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.]
An English early apple.