Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GRIF'FON, n. [Fr. griffon; Sp. grifo; It. griffo, griffone; G. greif; Dan. grif; D griffioen; L. gryps, gryphus; Gr. γρυψ; W. gruf, fierce, bold, a griffon.]

In the natural history of the ancients, an imaginary animal said to be generated between the lion and the eagle. It is represented with four legs, wings and a beak, the upper part resembling an eagle, and the lower part a lion. This animal was supposed to watch over mines of gold and hidden treasures, and was consecrated to the sun. The figure of the griffon is seen on ancient medals, and is still borne in coat-armor. It is also an ornament of Greek architecture. Encyc.