lammergeir

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.]
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   1. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It
      is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
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   2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic
      charge.
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   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}.]
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   4. An English early apple.
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Lammergeir \Lam"mer*geir\ (l[a^]m"m[~e]r*g[imac]r), Lammergeier
\Lam"mer*gei`er\, lammergeyer \lam"mer*gey`er\
   (l[a^]m"m[~e]r*g[imac]`[~e]r), n. [G. l[aum]mmergeier; lamm,
   pl. l[aum]mmer, lamb + geier vulture.] (Zool.)
   A very large vulture ({Gypa["e]tus barbatus}), which inhabits
   the mountains of Southern Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.
   When full-grown it is nine or ten feet in extent of wings. It
   is brownish black above, with the under parts and neck rusty
   yellow; the forehead and crown white; the sides of the head
   and beard black. It feeds partly on carrion and partly on
   small animals, which it kills. It has the habit of carrying
   tortoises and marrow bones to a great height, and dropping
   them on stones to obtain the contents, and is therefore
   called {bonebreaker} and {ossifrage}. It is supposed to be
   the {ossifrage} of the Bible. Called also {bearded vulture}
   and {bearded eagle}.
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