2. (Her.) A representation of this creature as an heraldic
charge.
3. (Zo["o]l.) A species of large vulture ({Gyps fulvus})
found in the mountainous parts of Southern Europe, North
Africa, and Asia Minor; -- called also {gripe}, and
{grype}. It is supposed to be the ``eagle'' of the Bible.
The bearded griffin is the lammergeir. [Written also
{gryphon}.]
A barren scepter in my gripe. --Shak.
2. That on which the grasp is put; a handle; a grip; as, the
gripe of a sword.
3. (Mech.) A device for grasping or holding anything; a brake
to stop a wheel.
4. Oppression; cruel exaction; affiction; pinching distress;
as, the gripe of poverty.
5. Pinching and spasmodic pain in the intestines; -- chiefly
used in the plural.
6. (Naut.)
(a) The piece of timber which terminates the keel at the
fore end; the forefoot.
(b) The compass or sharpness of a ship's stern under the
water, having a tendency to make her keep a good wind.
(c) pl. An assemblage of ropes, dead-eyes, and hocks,
fastened to ringbolts in the deck, to secure the boats
when hoisted; also, broad bands passed around a boat
to secure it at the davits and prevent swinging.
{Gripe penny}, {a} miser; a niggard
Like a white hind under the gripe's sharp claws.
--Shak.
{Gripe's egg}, an alchemist's vessel. [Obs.] --E. Jonson.
2. To seize and hold fast; to embrace closely.
Wouldst thou gripe both gain and pleasure ?
--Robynson
(More's
Utopia).
3. To pinch; to distress. Specifically, to cause pinching and
spasmodic pain to the bowels of, as by the effects of
certain purgative or indigestible substances.
How inly sorrow gripes his soul. --Shak.
2. To suffer griping pains. --Jocke.
3. (Naut.) To tend to come up into the wind, as a ship which,
when sailing closehauled, requires constant labor at the
helm. --R. H. Dana, Jr.