noun
griffin
GRIF-un/ˈɡrɪfən/
A mythical creature with a lion's body and an eagle's head and wings.
The griffin stands on a rock, its eagle wings rising above its lion body.
Etymology
Greek gryps is explained as “curved, hook-nosed,” connecting the creature’s name with its eagle-like hooked beak. That explanation is not certain: a Semitic origin has also been suggested.
In context
a Griffin is a mythological creature that was typically used to guard something precious like treasure or whatever
More examples
- She draws a griffin with a lion's body and an eagle's head and wings.
- Two stone griffins stand beside the palace gates.
- The knight's shield bears a golden griffin.
Forms
griffin · griffins