griffin

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. A fabulous beast with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In mythology, an imaginary animal supposed to be generated between the lion and the eagle, and to combine the head, front, and wings of an eagle with the body and hind quarters of a lion. This animal was supposed to watch over mines of gold and hidden treasures, and was consecrated to the sun. The figure of the griffin is seen on ancient coins, and is borne in coat-armor. It is also a frequent motive in architectural decoration.
2. n. In ornithology, a vulture of the genus Gyps; a griffin-vulture.
3. n. Figuratively, a vigilant or repellent guardian; one who stands in the way of free approach or intercourse: in England applied especially to a woman acting as a duenna.
4. n. In India and the East generally: A person not familiar with the customs or ways of the country; a new-comer; a novice; a greenhorn.
5. n. A racing pony or horse that runs for its first time. Also griff, in both uses.

Wiktionary

1. n. A mythical beast having the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
2. n. dated, Anglo-Indian A person who has just arrived from Europe.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. An Anglo-Indian name for a person just arrived from Europe.
2. n. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
3. n. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic charge.
4. n. (Zoöl.) 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.
5. n. An English early apple.

WordNet 3.0

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