cloak

n. [ Of. cloque cloak (from the bell-like shape), bell, F. cloche bell; perh. of Celtic origin and the same word as E. clock. See 1st Clock. ] 1. A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards, and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape, and is worn both by men and by women. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense; a mask; a cover. [ 1913 Webster ]

No man is esteemed any ways considerable for policy who wears religion otherwise than as a cloak. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

Cloak bag, a bag in which a cloak or other clothes are carried; a portmanteau. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Cloaked p. pr. & vb. n. Cloaking. ] To cover with, or as with, a cloak; hence, to hide or conceal. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now glooming sadly, so to cloak her matter. Spenser.

Syn. -- See Palliate. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a concealed manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act of covering with a cloak; the act of concealing anything. [ 1913 Webster ]

To take heed of their dissemblings and cloakings. Strype. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The material of which of which cloaks are made. [ 1913 Webster ]