Griffon

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.]



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  griffon
       n 1: breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of
            Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle [syn: {Brussels
            griffon}, {Belgian griffon}]
       2: breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat
          and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but
          largely developed in France [syn: {wire-haired pointing
          griffon}]
       3: large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having
          pale plumage with black wings [syn: {griffon vulture}, {Gyps
          fulvus}]