Sphinx

(sfingkz.) or SPHYNX. [Gr.] (Antiq.) A fabulous monster who ravaged Thebes until answer should be found to her enigmas. On Edipus having explained all the riddles, the monster immediately flung herself into the sea and perished. The form of the so-called Egyptian sphinxes is that of a winged lion with a human head and bust, always in a lying attitude, whereas the Greek sphinxes are represented in any attitude which might suit the fancy of the poet.-(Zool.) See SPHINGIDE. [s. 846]