'Sphinx moth' definitions:

Definition of 'sphinx moth'

noun

Any of various moths with long narrow forewings capable of powerful flight and hovering over flowers to feed [syn: hawkmoth, hawk moth, sphingid, sphinx moth, hummingbird moth]

Definition of 'Sphinx moth'

From: GCIDE

Sphinx \Sphinx\, n. [L., from Gr. sfi`gx, usually derived from sfi`ggein to bind tight or together, as if the Throttler.] 1. (a) 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. [1913 Webster]
The awful ruins of the days of old . . . Or jasper tomb, or mutilated sphinx. --Shelley. [1913 Webster] (b) 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.
Note: The most famous Grecian sphinx, that of Thebes in B[oe]otia, is said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans, and killed those who were unable to guess it. The enigma was solved by [OE]dipus, whereupon the sphinx slew herself. "Subtle as sphinx." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes, especially in politics and diplomacy. [1913 Webster]
3. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of large moths of the family Sphingidae; -- called also hawk moth. See also tomato worm. [1913 Webster]
Note: The larva is a stout naked caterpillar which, when at rest, often assumes a position suggesting the Egyptian sphinx, whence the name. [1913 Webster]
4. (Zool.) The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon ({Cynocephalus sphinx}). [1913 Webster]
Sphinx baboon (Zool.), a large West African baboon (Cynocephalus sphinx), often kept in menageries.
Sphinx moth. (Zool.) Same as Sphinx, 3. [1913 Webster]