cherub Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sweet innocent baby
  2. noun an angel of the second order whose gift is knowledge; usually portrayed as a winged child

WordNet

Cher"ub noun
Etymology
Heb. kerub.
Wordforms
plural Cherubs but the Hebrew plural Cherubim is also used
Definitions
  1. A mysterious composite being, the winged footstool and chariot of the Almighty, described in Ezekiel i. and x.
    I knew that they were the cherubim. Ezek. x. 20.
    He rode upon a cherub and did fly. Ps. xviii. 10.
  2. A symbolical winged figure of unknown form used in connection with the mercy seat of the Jewish Ark and Temple. Ez. xxv. 18.
  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.
  4. A beautiful child; -- so called because artists have represented cherubs as beautiful children.

Webster 1913