griffe

¹

[ grif ]

noun

, Chiefly Louisiana.

1. the offspring of a Black person and a mulatto.
2. a person of mixed Black and American Indian ancestry.
3. a mulatto, especially a woman.

griffe

²

[ grif ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. an ornament at the base of a column, projecting from the torus toward a corner of the plinth.

griffe

/ ɡrɪf /

noun

1. architect a carved ornament at the base of a column, often in the form of a claw

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of griffe¹

C19: from French: claw, of Germanic origin

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