griffin

noun6

1. •
   a creature in old stories that has a lion's body and the head and wings of a large bird
2. •
   A griffon vulture, a large vulture (Gyps fulvus) found in the mountainous parts of Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor, supposed to be the "eagle" of the Bible.
3. •
   A watchful guardian, especially a duenna in charge of a young woman.
4. •
   An English variety of apple.
5. •
   A cadet newly arrived in British India: half English, half Indian.
6. •
   (India, old-fashioned) A person who has just arrived from Europe.

   • Tables were laid out in the palace, profusely covered with wines and refreshments, in the European style; old hands and griffins, fair sex and civilians, seemed all determined to enjoy themselves[…] — 1842