Harpies meaning : A fabulous winged monster, ravenous and filthy, having the face of a woman and the body of a vulture. A shrewish woman. One who is rapacious or ravenous; an extortioner. The European moor buzzard or marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus). A large and powerful double-crested, short-winged American eagle (Harpia harpyja).