# Enfield

/ˈɛnfiɫd/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enfield
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a mythical animal with the head of a fox, the chest of a greyhound, and the body of a lion. It also has the talons of an eagle and the tail of a wolf.

For teachers: a heraldic creature composed of various animal parts, including a fox's head, an eagle's talons, and a lion's body. Primarily used in Irish heraldry, specifically associated with the O'Kelly family.

## Examples

- The family crest features a golden enfield.
- The historian pointed out the enfield on the ancient shield, explaining its unique combination of fox and eagle features.
- While the griffin and unicorn are common in European heraldry, the enfield remains a rare regional beast, appearing almost exclusively in the armorial bearings of specific Irish lineages.

## Usage notes

- Typically appears in the context of heraldry, genealogy, or fantasy bestiaries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.