\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.
   The awful ruins of the days of old . . . Or jasper tomb,
   or mutilated sphinx.                        --Shelley.
   (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.
2. Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes,
   especially in politics and diplomacy.
3. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of large moths of
   the family {Sphingid[ae]}; -- called also {hawk moth}.
Note: The larva is a stout naked caterpillar which, when at
      rest, often assumes a position suggesting the Egyptian
      sphinx, whence the name.
4. (Zo["o]l.) The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon ({Cynocephalus
   sphinx}).
{Sphinx baboon} (Zo["o]l.), a large West African baboon
   ({Cynocephalus sphinx}), often kept in menageries.
{Sphinx moth}. (Zo["o]l.) Same as {Sphinx}, 3.