Late 17th century; earliest use found in Randle Holme (1627–1700), herald painter. Variant of Sphinx: compare ancient Greek (Boeotian) Φίξ, corresponding to Attic-Ionic Σϕίγξ.
Definition of phynx in US English:
phynx
nounfɪŋks
rare
Sphinx.
Origin
Late 17th century; earliest use found in Randle Holme (1627–1700), herald painter. Variant of Sphinx: compare ancient Greek (Boeotian) Φίξ, corresponding to Attic-Ionic Σϕίγξ.