Cher"ub (?), n.;
pl. Cherubs (#); but the Hebrew plural Cherubim (#) is also used. [Heb. kerūb.]
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.
Hear it pronounced