Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large vulture: A large Old World vulture (Gyps fulvus) found in southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, characterized by pale body plumage and contrasting dark flight feathers.
   • A breed of dog: A breed of dog with a distinctive wiry coat, often referring to two distinct types: the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (a medium-sized hunting dog) and the Brussels Griffon (a very small companion dog).
   • A mythical creature: A legendary creature, also spelled griffin, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Vulture):
  • We spotted a griffon soaring on the thermal currents above the cliffs.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for the endangered griffon vulture.
• Noun (Dog Breed):
  • She owns a playful Brussels griffon that fits perfectly on her lap.
  • The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent bird dog for hunters.
• Noun (Mythical Creature):
  • A stone griffon guarded the entrance to the ancient temple.
  • In heraldry, the griffon symbolizes courage and strength.

Advanced Usage

• "Griffon vulture": The full, specific name for the bird of prey, often used to avoid confusion with the other meanings.
  • The griffon vulture has a wingspan of over two meters.
• Used attributively (as a noun modifier) to specify type or origin.
  • He specializes in griffon breeding. (context clarifies if referring to dogs or vultures)
  • The tapestry depicted a griffon motif.

Variants and Related Words

• Griffin: The more common alternate spelling for the mythical creature.
• Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: A specific breed of gun dog.
• Brussels Griffon: A specific breed of toy dog.
• Griffonage (n): (rare) Careless or illegible handwriting. (Etymologically related via the griffin's supposed claw marks).

Synonyms

• For the vulture: Eurasian griffon, Gyps fulvus.
• For the mythical creature: Griffin, gryphon.
• For the dog breed: (For the small type) Brussels griffon, petit brabançon.

Related Phrases

• To have a grip like a griffon: An idiomatic expression suggesting a very strong, unyielding hold, derived from the mythical creature's powerful talons.
  • The old sailor had a grip like a griffon.

Related Idioms

• As majestic as a griffon: Used to describe something possessing a powerful and noble bearing, combining leonine and aquiline qualities.
  • The veteran general stood before the troops, as majestic as a griffon.

Noun

1. large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having pale plumage with black wings
2. breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but largely developed in France
3. breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle
4. winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion