'Harpy fly' definitions:

Definition of 'Harpy fly'

From: GCIDE
  • Harpy \Har"py\ (h[aum]r"p[y^]), n.; pl. Harpies (-p[i^]z). [F. harpie, L. harpyia, Gr. "a`rpyia, from the root of "arpa`zein 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Both table and provisions vanished quite. With sound of harpies' wings and talons heard. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. One who is rapacious or ravenous; an extortioner. [1913 Webster]
  • The harpies about all pocket the pool. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Zool.) (a) The European moor buzzard or marsh harrier ({Circus [ae]ruginosus}). (b) A large and powerful, double-crested, short-winged American eagle ({Thrasa["e]tus harpyia}). It ranges from Texas to Brazil. [1913 Webster]
  • 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] Harquebus