griffin

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griffin

griffin in ancient and medieval legend, creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. Its name also appears as griffon and gryphon. The griffin originated in ancient Middle Eastern legend and is often found in Persian sculpture and the decorative arts. Although its significance is obscure, it is often thought to have been a protective symbol, representing strength and vigilance.

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"griffin." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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griffin

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Â© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

griffin a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, typically depicted with pointed ears and with the eagle's legs taking the place of the forelegs. The ancient Greeks believed that they lived in Scythia, guarding the gold for which that country was renowned.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "griffin." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "griffin." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (December 23, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-griffin.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "griffin." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Oxford University Press. 2006. Retrieved December 23, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-griffin.html

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griffin

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

griffin, griffon1, gryphon fabulous animal combining eagle and lion; vulture. XIV. — OF. grifoun (mod. griffon) :- Rom. *grúphō, -ōn-, augm. of late L. grȳphus, f. grȳps, grȳph- — Gr. grúps.

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T. F. HOAD. "griffin." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 23 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "griffin." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (December 23, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-griffingriffongryphon.html

T. F. HOAD. "griffin." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved December 23, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-griffingriffongryphon.html

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