griffon

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}]
    

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.]
    

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]