01 n. 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.
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1.
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 sphinx.” — Shelley.
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2.
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.
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3.
Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes, especially in politics and diplomacy.
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4.
Any one of numerous species of large moths of the family Sphingidae; -- called also hawk moth. See also tomato worm.(Zool.) Also: hawk moth
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5.
The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx).(Zool.)
Phrases & compounds
Sphinx baboon —
a large West African baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx), often kept in menageries.