Alphyn

An alphyn (from the Germanic word for "chaser" or "wolf") is a rare heraldic creature. It is much like an heraldic tiger, but is stockier and has tufts of hair covering its body. It also has a thick mane and a long thin tongue. Another notable characteristic is its knotted tail, reminiscent of Celtic design. The tail, shown as a lion's, may relate it to the griffin. Sometimes its forefeet are depicted like an eagle's claws, also comparable it to the griffin, other times they are cloven, as in a goat. Occasionally all four feet are shown like the claws of a lion. In English heraldry, the alphyn was used as a heraldic badge of the Lords de la Warr and in addition to appearing on the guidon held by the knight in the Milleflour Tapestry in Somerset.

ee also

*Charge (heraldry)
*History of England