bearded griffin

1 definition found

bearded griffin - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.]
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     1. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It
        is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
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     2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic
        charge.
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     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.]
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     4. An English early apple.
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