griffon

2 of 2

noun (2)

grif·​fon

variant spelling of griffin

: a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

French, literally, griffin

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of griffon was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Griffon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/griffon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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