# griffin

/ˈɡɹɪfɪn/ (US) · /ɡɹˈɪfɪn/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. mythical creature

noun · CEFR B2

a legendary animal with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.

For teachers: a mythical creature typically depicted with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle's talons as its front feet.

- The stone griffin stood guard at the entrance to the old library.
- In medieval heraldry, the griffin was often used to symbolize strength and vigilance, as it combined the king of beasts with the king of birds.

### 2. newcomer to India

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English · Dialect

a word used in the past for a European person who had just arrived in India.

For teachers: a term formerly used in British India to denote a newly arrived European, particularly a young official or cadet who was inexperienced in local customs.

- The older officers laughed at the griffin who didn't know how to dress for the heat.
- Nineteenth-century colonial literature frequently depicts the 'griffin' as a comic figure struggling to adapt to the social rigours of the British Raj.

### 3. watchful guardian

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a person who watches someone very closely to make sure they behave.

For teachers: a vigilant or strict guardian, especially one tasked with supervising a young person's conduct.

- Her aunt acted like a griffin, never letting her speak to the guests alone.
- The headmistress was a formidable griffin who patrolled the dormitory hallways with an eagle eye for any sign of mischief.

## Examples

- The griffin appears on the city's old stone gate.
- The ancient manuscript featured a gold-leaf illustration of a griffin guarding a pile of treasure.
- In medieval heraldry, the griffin was a popular charge because it combined the king of beasts with the king of birds, representing a dual authority over both earth and sky.

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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.