GRIFFIN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does griffin mean? 

• GRIFFIN (noun)
  The noun GRIFFIN has 1 sense:

1. winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion

  Familiarity information: GRIFFIN used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GRIFFIN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

griffin; griffon; gryphon

Hypernyms ("griffin" is a kind of...):

mythical creature; mythical monster (a monster renowned in folklore and myth)

 Context examples 

And they stole away out of the palace by night unawares, and seated themselves on the griffin, who flew back with them over the Red Sea.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

When they were half-way across Lily let the nut fall into the water, and immediately a large nut-tree arose from the sea, whereon the griffin rested for a while, and then carried them safely home.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

But no sooner was the princess released from the spell, than she seized the prince by the arm and sprang on to the griffin’s back, and went off carrying the prince away with her.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

When you are half-way over, throw it down, and out of the waters will immediately spring up a high nut-tree on which the griffin will be able to rest, otherwise he would not have the strength to bear you the whole way; if, therefore, thou dost forget to throw down the nut, he will let you both fall into the sea.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

Then look round and thou wilt see a griffin, winged like bird, sitting by the Red Sea; jump on to his back with thy beloved one as quickly as possible, and he will carry you over the waters to your home.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)