Griffin

Griffin (Lat. gryphus; Gr. gryps), a chimerical creature, first mentioned by Aristeas about 500 B.C. The griffin is variously described and represented, but the shape in which it most frequently appears is that of a cross between a lion and an eagle, having the body and legs of the former, with the beak and wings of the latter, and the addition of pointed ears. Sometimes the four legs are all like those of an eagle, and the head is that of a cock. The figure seems to have originated in the East, as it is found in ancient Persian sculptures. Amongst the Greeks it appears on antique coins, and as an ornament in classical architecture. Griffins abound in the legendary tales of the Teutonic nations, and the name (Ger. greif, Dan. grif, &c.) has passed into most Teutonic dialects. In the bestiaries of the middle ages the appearance and habits of the griffin were discussed with much particularity; it was the emblem of vigilance, and was understood to guard hidden treasures in Bactria; and the griffin (or gryphon) is still familiarly known to heraldry. As such it appears in the arms of the city of London, griffins being the supporters; and on the removal of Temple Bar a sculptured griffin was erected on the site (November 1880). For the Griffin Vulture, see VULTURE.—Griffin is a name joyfully given in India to a newcomer from England, a greenhorn.