Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.]
   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. (Zo["o]l.) 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.

Source : WordNet®

Gyps fulvus
     n : large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having
         pale plumage with black wings [syn: {griffon vulture}, {griffon}]