Grif·fin Grif·fon n.
1. Myth. A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
2. Her. A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge.
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.]
4. An English early apple.
Gyps fulvus
n : large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having
pale plumage with black wings [syn: griffon vulture, griffon]