Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Griffon \Grif"fon\ (gr[i^]f"f[o^]n), n. [F.]
One of a European breed of rough-coated dogs, somewhat taller
than the setter and of a grizzly liver color. They are used
in hunt game birds. The {Brussels griffon} is a very small,
wiry-coated, short-nosed pet dog of Belgian origin.
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®
griffon
n 1: breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of
Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle [syn: {Brussels
griffon}, {Belgian griffon}]
2: breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat
and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but
largely developed in France [syn: {wire-haired pointing
griffon}]
3: large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having
pale plumage with black wings [syn: {griffon vulture}, {Gyps
fulvus}]