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griffe
1[ grif ]
noun
, Chiefly Louisiana.
- the offspring of a Black person and a mulatto.
- a person of mixed Black and American Indian ancestry.
- a mulatto, especially a woman.
griffe
2[ grif ]
noun
, Architecture.
- an ornament at the base of a column, projecting from the torus toward a corner of the plinth.
griffe
/ ɡrɪf /
noun
- architect a carved ornament at the base of a column, often in the form of a claw
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Word History and Origins
Origin of griffe1
An Americanism first recorded in 1715–25; from Louisiana French, from Caribbean Spanish grifo “curly-haired”
Origin of griffe2
1870–75; < French: claw < Germanic
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Word History and Origins
Origin of griffe1
C19: from French: claw, of Germanic origin
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Example Sentences
The nurse, a comfortable looking Griffe woman in white apron and cap, was urging her to return to her bedroom.
From Project Gutenberg
I longed to interpose with a warning word, for in the handwriting I recognized the griffe of the fatal Delilah.
From Project Gutenberg
Monsieur only goes away to wait upon the griffe, his master, when he wants more work; his griffe is a slop tailor.
From Project Gutenberg
There was a flash of light, and I saw a great griffe standing there, looking at me curiously.
From Project Gutenberg
But the griffe rudely jerked me to my feet again, and told me, I suppose, that I was to accompany him.
From Project Gutenberg
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