H. Hervey Ten Years in India II 40: To hoax and laugh at a new-comer are the delight of the oldsters ; but if the latter find out, that, in spite of his griffinish tricks and inexperienced blunders, he is at all events a really gentlemanly lad, possessing many good qualities [...] he very soon becomes a favourite.at griffinish (adj.) under griffin, n.1