Harpy (härp&ybreve_;), n.; pl. Harpies (-p&ibreve_;z). [F. harpie, L. harpyia, Gr. arpyia, from the root of arpazein to snatch, to seize. Cf. Rapacious.] 1. (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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2. One who is rapacious or ravenous; an extortioner.
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The harpies about all pocket the pool. Goldsmith.
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3. (Zoöl.) (a) The European moor buzzard or marsh harrier (Circus æruginosus). (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 (Zoöl.) (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 (Zoöl.), the house fly.
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