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

Griffon \Grif"fon\ (gr[i^]f"f[o^]n), 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.]