GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Harpy , n.; pl. Harpies . [F. harpie, L. harpyia, Gr. ἄρπυια, from the root of ἁρπάζειν to snatch, to seize.  Cf. Rapacious.]
   (Gr. Myth.) A fabulous winged monster, ravenous and filthy, having the face of a woman and the body of a vulture, with long claws, and the face pale with hunger.  Some writers mention two, others three.
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   Both table and provisions vanished quite.
   With sound of harpies' wings and talons heard.
   Milton.
   
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   One who is rapacious or ravenous; an extortioner.
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   The harpies about all pocket the pool.
   Goldsmith.
   
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   (Zool.) (a) The European moor buzzard or marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus). (b) A large and powerful, double-crested, short-winged American eagle (Thrasaëtus harpyia). It ranges from Texas to Brazil.
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   Harpy bat (Zool.) (a) An East Indian fruit bat of the genus Harpyia (esp. Harpyia cephalotes), having prominent, tubular nostrils. (b) A small, insectivorous Indian bat (Harpiocephalus harpia). -- Harpy fly (Zool.), the house fly.
   1913 Webster