Cherubs

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Cherub \Cher"ub\, n.; pl. {Cherubs}; but the Hebrew plural
     {Cherubim}is also used. [Heb. ker[=u]b.]
     1. A mysterious composite being, the winged footstool and
        chariot of the Almighty, described in --Ezekiel i. and x.
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              I knew that they were the cherubim.   --Ezek. x. 20.
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              He rode upon a cherub and did fly.    --Ps. xviii.
                                                    10.
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     2. A symbolical winged figure of unknown form used in
        connection with the mercy seat of the Jewish Ark and
        Temple. --Ez. xxv. 18.
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     3. One of a order of angels, variously represented in art. In
        European painting the cherubim have been shown as blue, to
        denote knowledge, as distinguished from the seraphim (see
        {Seraph}), and in later art the children's heads with
        wings are generally called cherubs.
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     4. A beautiful child; -- so called because artists have
        represented cherubs as beautiful children.
        [1913 Webster] Cherubic