Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Sphinx
Sphinx
,Noun.
[L., from Gr.
σφίγξ
, usually derived from σφίγγειν
to bind tight or together, as if the Throttler.] 1.
(a)
In Egyptian art, an image of granite or porphyry, having a human head, or the head of a ram or of a hawk, upon the wingless body of a lion.
The awful ruins of the days of old . . .
Or jasper tomb, or mutilated
Or jasper tomb, or mutilated
sphinx
. Shelley.
(b)
On Greek art and mythology, a she-monster, usually represented as having the winged body of a lion, and the face and breast of a young woman.
The most famous Grecian sphinx, that of Thebes in Bœotia, is said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans, and killed those who were unable to guess it. The enigma was solved by Œdipus, whereupon the sphinx slew herself.
“Subtle as sphinx.” Shak.
2.
Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes, especially in politics and diplomacy.
3.
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of large moths of the family
Sphingidae
; – called also hawk moth
. See also tomato worm
. ☞ The larva is a stout naked caterpillar which, when at rest, often assumes a position suggesting the Egyptian sphinx, whence the name.
4.
(Zool.)
The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon (
Cynocephalus sphinx
). Sphinx baboon
(Zool.)
, a large West African baboon (
– Cynocephalus sphinx
), often kept in menageries. Sphinx moth
. (Zool.)
Same as
Sphinx
, 3.Webster 1828 Edition
Sphinx
SPHINX
,Noun.
1.
A famous monster in Egypt, having the body of a lion and the face of a young woman.2.
In entomology, the hawk-moth, a genus of insects.