noun
griffon
A rough-coated dog of certain small or hunting breeds.
The little griffon waits by the door for its walk.
Etymology
English borrowed the French name for rough-coated dogs. In this use, griffon identifies a kind of dog by its characteristic coat and established breed naming.
More examples
- She brushes her griffon's wiry coat every week.
- The hunter's griffon searches the field for birds.
- Two small griffons curl up together on the couch.
Forms
griffon · griffons
Similar words
- dog
- A broader term that does not specify breed or coat.