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cherub
cher·ub / ˈcherəb/ • n. (pl. cher·u·bim) / ˈcher(y)əbim/ a winged angelic being described in biblical tradition as attending on God. It is regarded in traditional Christian angelology as an angel of the second highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy. ∎ (pl. cher·u·bim / ˈcher(y)əˌbim/ or cher·ubs ) a representation of a cherub in art, depicted as a chubby, healthy-looking child with wings. ∎ (pl. cher·ubs) a beautiful or innocent-looking child. ORIGIN: Old English cherubin, ultimately (via Latin and Greek) from Hebrew kĕrūb, plural kĕrūbīm. A rabbinic folk etymology, which explains the Hebrew singular form as representing Aramaic kĕ-rabyā ‘like a child,’ led to the representation of the cherub as a child. |
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"cherub." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cherub." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cherub.html "cherub." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cherub.html |
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cherub
cherub a winged angelic being described in biblical tradition as attending on God, represented in ancient Middle Eastern art as a lion or a bull with eagles' wings and a human face and regarded in Christian angelology as an angel of the second highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy; the plural form is cherubim.
In art, the word denotes a representation of a cherub, depicted as a chubby, healthy-looking child with wings; the plural form is cherubim or cherubs. Recorded from Old English (in form cherubin), the word comes ultimately, via Latin and Greek, from Hebrew kĕrūḇ, plural kĕrūḇīm. A rabbinic folk etymology, which explains the Hebrew singular form as representing Aramaic kĕ-raḇyā ‘like a child’, led to the representation of the cherub as a child. |
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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "cherub." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "cherub." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-cherub.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "cherub." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-cherub.html |
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cherub
cherub , plural cherubim, kind of angel . Cherubim were probably thought of in the ancient Middle East as composite creatures like the winged creatures of Assyria. In Jewish tradition, they are described (Ezek. 10) as having four faces and four wings and also as beautiful young men; but late Christian art made plump children of them, as in Raphael's Sistine Madonna. With the seraphim (see seraph ) they are said to be in the very presence of God. The color surrounding them is traditionally blue. |
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"cherub." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cherub." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-cherub.html "cherub." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-cherub.html |
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cherub
cherub, (as †sg. and pl.) cherubim †(cherubim) seat or dwelling of the Deity (after biblical use) OE.; (cherub, -im, -in) angel(s) of the second order XIII; †(cherubin) beautiful or beloved woman XVI; (cherub) beautiful innocent child XVIII. OE. and ME. cherubin, -im, ult. (through L. and F.) from Heb. kerûbhīm, pl. of kerûbh — Accadian karūbu gracious, kirūbu propitious, f. karābu incline graciously.
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T. F. HOAD. "cherub." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "cherub." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-cherub.html T. F. HOAD. "cherub." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-cherub.html |
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Cherub
Cherub. Chubby winged male infant, or a winged infant's head, also called Cupid, similar to the Antique and Renaissance Amorino or Love, found in profusion in Baroque architecture and decoration. Compare putto.
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JAMES STEVENS CURL. "Cherub." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JAMES STEVENS CURL. "Cherub." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-Cherub.html JAMES STEVENS CURL. "Cherub." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-Cherub.html |
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Cherub
Cherub (from Heb., keruv). A winged heavenly creature.
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JOHN BOWKER. "Cherub." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN BOWKER. "Cherub." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Cherub.html JOHN BOWKER. "Cherub." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Cherub.html |
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cherub
cherub
•Jacob
•Arab, carob, scarab, Shatt al-Arab
•cherub
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"cherub." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cherub." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-cherub.html "cherub." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-cherub.html |
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