harpies

Harpy \Har"py\ (h[aum]r"p[y^]), n.; pl. {Harpies} (-p[i^]z). [F.
   harpie, L. harpyia, Gr. "a`rpyia, from the root of "arpa`zein
   to snatch, to seize. Cf. {Rapacious}.]
   1. (Gr. Myth.) A fabulous winged monster, ravenous and
      filthy, having the face of a woman and the body of a
      vulture, with long claws, and the face pale with hunger.
      Some writers mention two, others three.
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            Both table and provisions vanished quite.
            With sound of harpies' wings and talons heard.
                                                  --Milton.
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   2. One who is rapacious or ravenous; an extortioner.
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            The harpies about all pocket the pool. --Goldsmith.
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   3. (Zool.)
      (a) The European moor buzzard or marsh harrier ({Circus
          [ae]ruginosus}).
      (b) A large and powerful, double-crested, short-winged
          American eagle ({Thrasa["e]tus harpyia}). It ranges
          from Texas to Brazil.
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   {Harpy bat} (Zool.)
      (a) An East Indian fruit bat of the genus {Harpyia} (esp.
          {Harpyia cephalotes}), having prominent, tubular
          nostrils.
      (b) A small, insectivorous Indian bat ({Harpiocephalus
          harpia}).

   {Harpy fly} (Zool.), the house fly.
      [1913 Webster] Harquebus