Nim"bus (?), n.;
pl. L. Nimbi (#), E. Nimbuses (#). [L.,
a rain storm, a rain
cloud, the cloudshaped which enveloped the gods when they appeared on earth.]
1.
(Fine Arts) A circle, or disk, or any indication of radiant light around the heads of divinities, saints, and
sovereigns, upon medals, pictures, etc.; a halo. See
Aureola, and Glory, n.,
5.
&fist; "The
nimbus is of pagan origin." "As an atribute of power, the nimbus is often seen attached to the heads of
evil spirits." Fairholl.
2. (Meteor.) A rain cloud;
one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See Cloud.
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