griffe

[ grif ]

/ grɪf /

the offspring of a black and a mulatto.

a person of mixed black and American Indian ancestry.

a mulatto, especially a woman.

Origin of griffe

1715–25, Americanism; < Louisiana French < American Spanish grifo curly-haired

griffe ²

[ grif ]

/ grɪf /

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

Also called spur.

1870–75; < French: claw < Germanic

I longed to interpose with a warning word, for in the handwriting I recognized the griffe of the fatal Delilah.

Guy Livingstone; |George A. Lawrence
In a few minutes there passed by us three tall men, griffe in shade.

Latitude 19 degree |Mrs. Schuyler Crowninshield
Monsieur only goes away to wait upon the griffe, his master, when he wants more work; his griffe is a slop tailor.

A Tramp's Wallet |William Duthie
They were only signed with a griffe, or stamp, not by the King's pen and hand.

Historical Mysteries |Andrew Lang

But the griffe rudely jerked me to my feet again, and told me, I suppose, that I was to accompany him.

Latitude 19 degree |Mrs. Schuyler Crowninshield

griffe

/ (ɡrɪf) /

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

C19: from French: claw, of Germanic origin