[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

griffin \grif"fin\, griffon \grif"fon\, n. oe. griffin,
   griffon, griffoun, f. griffon, fr. l. gryphus, equiv to
   gryps, gr. ?; -- so called because of the hooked beak, and
   akin to grypo`s curved, hook-nosed.
   1913 webster
   1. myth. a fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. it
      is often represented in grecian and roman works of art.
      1913 webster

   2. her. a representation of this creature as an heraldic
      charge.
      1913 webster

   3. zool. 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. written also gryphon.
      1913 webster

   4. an english early apple.
      1913 webster
see also:
gyps fulvus gripe grype bearded griffin lammergeir gryphon 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

gyps fulvus
     n : large vulture of southern europe and northern africa having
         pale plumage with black wings syn: griffon vulture, griffon
see also:
griffon vulture griffon 

Gyps >> G Words
Gyps, definition of term: Gyps
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