[grif-uh
n] 
[grif-in] | a fabled monster, usually having the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. |
| grif·fin also grif·fon or gryph·on (grĭf'ən) n. A fabulous beast with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. [Middle English griffoun, from Old French griffon, from grif, from Latin grȳpus, grȳphus, variants of grȳps, grȳp-, from Greek grūps.] |
| gryph·on (grĭf'ən) n. Variant of griffin. |
gryphon
composite mythological creature with a lion's body (winged or wingless) and a bird's head, usually that of an eagle. The griffin was a favourite decorative motif in the ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean lands. Probably originating in the Levant in the 2nd millennium BC, the griffin had spread throughout western Asia and into Greece by the 14th century BC. The Asiatic griffin had a crested head, whereas the Minoan and Greek griffin usually had a mane of spiral curls. It was shown either recumbent or seated on its haunches, often paired with the sphinx; its function may have been protective
Learn more about gryphon with a free trial on Britannica.com.