Sphinx \Sphinx\, n. [L., from Gr. sfi`gx, usually derived from
sfi`ggein to bind tight or together, as if the Throttler.]
1.
(a) In Egyptian art, an image of granite or porphyry,
having a human head, or the head of a ram or of a
hawk, upon the wingless body of a lion.
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The awful ruins of the days of old . . .
Or jasper tomb, or mutilated sphinx. --Shelley.
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(b) On Greek art and mythology, a she-monster, usually
represented as having the winged body of a lion, and
the face and breast of a young woman.
Note: The most famous Grecian sphinx, that of Thebes in
B[oe]otia, is said to have proposed a riddle to the
Thebans, and killed those who were unable to guess it.
The enigma was solved by [OE]dipus, whereupon the
sphinx slew herself. "Subtle as sphinx." --Shak.
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2. Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes,
especially in politics and diplomacy.
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3. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of large moths of the
family Sphingidae; -- called also hawk moth. See also
tomato worm.
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Note: The larva is a stout naked caterpillar which, when at
rest, often assumes a position suggesting the Egyptian
sphinx, whence the name.
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4. (Zool.) The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon (Cynocephalus
sphinx).
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Sphinx baboon (Zool.), a large West African baboon
(Cynocephalus sphinx), often kept in menageries.
Sphinx moth. (Zool.) Same as Sphinx, 3.
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