(dated, Anglo-Indian) A person who has just arrived from Europe.
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. The bearded griffin is the lammergeier.
A cadet newly arrived in British India: half English, half Indian.
Esimerkit
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[...]