1. Winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion
   "The griffon guarded the treasure with fierce determination";
   - gryphon, griffin
    
2. Large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having pale plumage with black wings
   "The griffon vulture joined others at the carcass";
   - griffon vulture, Gyps fulvus
    
3. Breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but largely developed in France
   "The wire-haired pointing griffon is prized for its versatility as a hunting dog";
   - wire-haired pointing griffon
    
4. Breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle
   "The Brussels griffon's expressive face caught everyone's attention";
   - Brussels griffon, Belgian griffon

Derived forms: griffons

Type of: barker [informal], bow-wow [informal], Canis familiaris, dawg [non-standard], dog, doggie [informal], doggo [informal], doggy [informal], domestic dog, gun dog, mythical creature, mythical monster, Old World vulture, pooch [informal], sporting dog

Part of: genus Gyps, Gyps

Encyclopedia: Griffon