rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygriffonMythical creature
noun

griffon

GRIF-un/ɡrˈɪfʌn/

A mythical creature with an eagle's head and a lion's body.

The griffon combines an eagle's head and wings with a lion's body.

A majestic mythical griffin with eagle head and wings and lion body, natural animal anatomy adapted coherently.
Etymology
griffonOld Frenchfabulous bird; griffin

Grifon already named the fabulous creature combining eagle and lion. Its name is linked to a hooked beak, though a Semitic origin has also been suggested.

More examples

  • The flag shows two griffons facing each other.
  • In the legend, a griffon protects a hidden treasure.
  • She sketches a griffon with a lion's body and an eagle's head.

Forms

griffon · griffons

Similar words

griffin
Names the same mythical creature using the more common spelling.