opinicus

[ oh-pin-i-kuhs ]

noun

, plural o·pin·i·cus·es.

1. a heraldic monster having the head, neck, and wings of an eagle, the body of a lion, and the tail of a bear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opinicus¹

First recorded in 1770–80; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The opinicus differs slightly from the griffin, having four lion’s legs instead of two, and the tail is short like that of a camel.

From Project Gutenberg

Opinicus, a fabulous winged creature with the head of a griffin, the body of a lion, and the tail of a camel; a heraldic symbol.

From Project Gutenberg