A mythical beast having the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle.
"The ancient tapestry depicted a fierce griffin guarding its golden treasure hoard on a mountain peak."
In plain English: A griffin is a mythical creature that has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
"The children were excited when they saw the griffin statue at the entrance of the museum."
Usage: Use griffin to describe any legendary creature combining a lion's body with an eagle's head and wings, often found in ancient mythology or heraldry. Do not confuse this specific hybrid animal with other mythical beasts like dragons or phoenixes that lack the distinct feline-bird combination.
An Irish surname, an anglicization of Ó Gríobhtha or Ó Grifín
"The village records listed several families bearing the griffin name during the early twentieth century."
The word "griffin" entered English via the Middle English and Old French forms of griffoun and griffon. It ultimately traces back to a Classical Latin term borrowed directly from an Ancient Greek root.