cherub

n.; pl. Cherubs but the Hebrew plural Cherubim s also used. [ Heb. kerūb. ] 1. A mysterious composite being, the winged footstool and chariot of the Almighty, described in Ezekiel i. and x. [ 1913 Webster ]

I knew that they were the cherubim. Ezek. x. 20. [ 1913 Webster ]

He rode upon a cherub and did fly. Ps. xviii. 10. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A symbolical winged figure of unknown form used in connection with the mercy seat of the Jewish Ark and Temple. Ez. xxv. 18. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A beautiful child; -- so called because artists have represented cherubs as beautiful children. [ 1913 Webster ]