{ } n. [ OE. griffin, griffon, griffoun, F. griffon, fr. L. gryphus, equiv to gryps, Gr. &unr_;; -- so called because of the hooked beak, and akin to grypo`s curved, hook-nosed. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

4. An English early apple. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ] One of a European breed of rough-coated dogs, somewhat taller than the setter and of a grizzly liver color. They are used in hunting game birds. The Brussels griffon is a very small, wiry-coated, short-nosed pet dog of Belgian origin. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]