(harpies)
1.
In classical mythology, the harpies were creatures with the bodies of birds and the faces of women. They flew quickly and were cruel and greedy.
N-COUNT: usu pl, oft the N
2.
If you refer to a woman as a ~, you mean that she is very cruel or violent. (LITERARY)
...a snobby, scheming ~ who sells off the family silverware.
N-COUNT disapproval