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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Harpiocephalus harpia

Harpy \Har"py\ (h[aum]r"p[y^]), n.; pl. Harpies (-p[i^]z). [F. harpie, L. harpyia, Gr. "a`rpyia, from the root of "arpa`zein to snatch, to seize. Cf. Rapacious.]

  1. (Gr. Myth.) A fabulous winged monster, ravenous and filthy, having the face of a woman and the body of a vulture, with long claws, and the face pale with hunger. Some writers mention two, others three.

    Both table and provisions vanished quite. With sound of harpies' wings and talons heard.
    --Milton.

  2. One who is rapacious or ravenous; an extortioner.

    The harpies about all pocket the pool.
    --Goldsmith.

  3. (Zo["o]l.)

    1. The European moor buzzard or marsh harrier ( Circus [ae]ruginosus).

    2. A large and powerful, double-crested, short-winged American eagle ( Thrasa["e]tus harpyia). It ranges from Texas to Brazil. Harpy bat (Zo["o]l.)

      1. An East Indian fruit bat of the genus Harpyia (esp. Harpyia cephalotes), having prominent, tubular nostrils.

      2. A small, insectivorous Indian bat ( Harpiocephalus harpia).

        Harpy fly (Zo["o]l.), the house fly.