Main Entry: grif·fin

Variant(s): or grif·fon also gryph·on \ˈgri-fən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English griffon, from Anglo-French grif, griffun, from Latin gryphus, from Greek gryp-, gryps

Date: 14th century

: a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion

[griffin illustration]