n. (pl. -ies) 1 (in Greek and Roman mythology) a monster with a woman's head and body and bird's wings and claws. 2 a grasping unscrupulous person. harpy eagle a S. American crested bird of prey, Harpia harpyja, one of the largest of eagles.
[ F harpie or L harpyia f. Gk harpuiai snatchers (cf. harpazo snatch) ]