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.]
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   1. (Myth.) A fabulous monster, half lion and half eagle. It
      is often represented in Grecian and Roman works of art.
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   2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic
      charge.
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   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.]
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   4. An English early apple.
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