Sphinx /(?)/

Sphinx

n.
  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.
  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.
  3. Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes, especially in politics and diplomacy.
  4. Any one of numerous species of large moths of the family Sphingidae; -- called also hawk moth. See also tomato worm. (Zool.)
  5. The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx). (Zool.)

Phrases & Compounds

Sphinx baboon
a large West African baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx), often kept in menageries.
Sphinx moth
Same as Sphinx, 3.