winged monster of ancient mythology, late 14c., from Old French harpie (14c.), from Latin harpyia, from Greek Harpyia (plural), literally "snatchers," which is probably related to harpazein "to snatch" (see rapid (adj.)). Metaphoric extension to "repulsively greedy person" is c. 1400.
In Homer they are merely personified storm winds, who were believed to have carried off any person that had suddenly disappeared. In Hesiod they are fair-haired and winged maidens who surpass the winds in swiftness, and are called Aello and Ocypete; but in later writers they are represented as disgusting monsters, with heads like maidens, faces pale with hunger, and claws like those of birds. The harpies ministered to the gods as the executors of vengeance. ["American Cyclopædia," 1874]
实用例句
1. To their utter amazement, this seeming harpy spoke to them.
叫他们大吃一惊的是, 这个看来象个鸟身女妖的东西竟跟他们说起话来.
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2. The Harpy is a unique weapon system with features of both UAV and cruise missile.
“哈比”是一种具有UAV和巡航导弹特征的一种独特的武器系统.
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3. A moustached man unwittingly saves a harpy from being drowned in a fountain.
