griffin

plural griffins · alternative griffon · alternative gryphon · alternative obsolete grifon · alternative obsolete gryfon

1. A mythical creature with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle.
2. A griffon vulture, a large vulture (Gyps fulvus) found in the mountainous parts of Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor, supposed to be the "eagle" of the Bible.
3. An English variety of apple.
4. IndiadatedA person who has just arrived from Europe.

   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

5. A cadet newly arrived in British India: half English, half Indian.
6. A watchful guardian, especially a duenna in charge of a young woman.

alternative Griffy

1. An Irish surname, an anglicization of Ó Gríobhtha or Ó Grifín
2. A surname from Welsh [in turn originating as a patronymic].
3. A male given name from Welsh derived from Griffinus, a latinized form of Gruffudd.
4. A male given name from Cornish derived from Gryffyn, of relation to the Welsh name.
5. rareA female given name.
6. A place name:
   1. A community in Saskatchewan, Canada.
   2. A rural municipality in south-east Saskatchewan, which includes the community; in full, the Rural Municipality of Griffin No. 66.
   3. A township in Pope County, Arkansas.
   4. A city, the county seat of Spalding County, Georgia, named for landowner Col. Lewis Lawrence Griffin.
   5. A former settlement in Wabash Township, Clark County, Illinois.
   6. A town in Bethel Township, Posey County, Indiana; named for postmaster Samuel Griffin.
   7. An unincorporated community in Christian County, Missouri.
   8. A suburb in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia; named for a family of early settlers.