Griffin Meaning
/ˈɡɹɪf.ɪn/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA mythical beast having the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
nounA mythical creature with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle.
Sentence Examples
A hippogryph is a fictional being: half horse, half griffin.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mythical beast with an eagle's head and lion's body is called a ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ is a mythical creature that is said to have the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English griffoun, from Old French griffon, from Late Latin grȳphus, from Classical Latin grȳps, from Ancient Greek γρῡ́ψ (grū́ps).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Tables were laid out in the palace, profusely covered with wines and refreshments, in the European style; old hands and griffins, fair sex and civilians, seemed all determined to enjoy themselves[…]"
— 1842, The Asiatic journal and monthly register, volume 38, page 40:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The mythical beast with an eagle's head and lion's body is called a ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ is a mythical creature that is said to have the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.