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.
