There are no 'vampires' in Tolkien's work. "His [Tolkien's] vampires" is an oxymoron.
"Vampire-form" (S77) does not constitute being a Vampire, certainly not so if skin-changing is implied. Beorn is a man, not a bear.
The most likely interpretation is:
"Vampire [...]
3. Zool.
a. One or other of various bats, chiefly South American, known or popularly believed to be blood-suckers." (OED² on CD-Rom, vamnpire, my stress"
Bear in mind that 'vampire-form' Thuringwethil had 'iron claws' and was thus virtually a bat and not a suave Romanian. Same goes for Sauron.
[ June 05, 2003: Message edited by: Sharkû ]
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