Cloud (kloud), n. [Prob. fr. AS.
clūd a rock or hillock, the application arising from
the frequent resemblance of clouds to rocks or hillocks in the
sky or air.] 1. A collection of visible
vapor, or watery particles, suspended in the upper
atmosphere.
I do set my bow in the cloud.
Gen. ix. 13.
&fist; A classification of clouds according to their chief
forms was first proposed by the meteorologist Howard, and this is
still substantially employed. The following varieties and
subvarieties are recognized: (a) Cirrus.
This is the most elevated of all the forms of clouds; is thin,
long-drawn, sometimes looking like carded wool or hair, sometimes
like a brush or room, sometimes in curl-like or fleecelike
patches. It is the cat's-tail of the sailor, and the
mare's-tail of the landsman. (b)
Cumulus. This form appears in large masses of a
hemispherical form, or nearly so, above, but flat below, one
often piled above another, forming great clouds, common in the
summer, and presenting the appearance of gigantic mountains
crowned with snow. It often affords rain and thunder gusts.
(c) Stratus. This form appears in layers
or bands extending horizontally. (d)
Nimbus. This form is characterized by its uniform gray
tint and ragged edges; it covers the sky in seasons of continued
rain, as in easterly storms, and is the proper rain cloud.
The name is sometimes used to denote a raining cumulus, or
cumulostratus. (e) Cirro-cumulus. This
form consists, like the cirrus, of thin, broken,
fleecelice clouds, but the parts are more or less rounded and
regulary grouped. It is popularly called mackerel sky.
(f) Cirro-stratus. In this form the
patches of cirrus coalesce in long strata, between cirrus and
stratus. (g) Cumulo-stratus. A form
between cumulus and stratus, often assuming at the horizon a
black or bluish tint. -- Fog, cloud, motionless, or nearly
so, lying near or in contact with the earth's surface. --
Storm scud, cloud lying quite low, without form, and
driven rapidly with the wind.
2. A mass or volume of smoke, or flying
dust, resembling vapor. "A thick cloud of incense."
Ezek. viii. 11.
3. A dark vein or spot on a lighter
material, as in marble; hence, a blemish or defect; as, a
cloud upon one's reputation; a cloud on a
title.
4. That which has a dark, lowering, or
threatening aspect; that which temporarily overshadows, obscures,
or depresses; as, a cloud of sorrow; a cloud of
war; a cloud upon the intellect.
5. A great crowd or multitude; a vast
collection. "So great a cloud of witnesses."
Heb. xii. 1.
6. A large, loosely-knitted scarf, worn
by women about the head.
Cloud on a (or the)
title (Law), a defect of title,
usually superficial and capable of removal by release, decision
in equity, or legislation. -- To be under a
cloud, to be under suspicion or in disgrace; to be
in disfavor. -- In the clouds, in the
realm of facy and imagination; beyond reason; visionary.
Cloud (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Clouded; p. pr. & vb. n.
Clouding.] 1. To overspread or hide
with a cloud or clouds; as, the sky is clouded.
2. To darken or obscure, as if by hiding
or enveloping with a cloud; hence, to render gloomy or
sullen.
One day too late, I fear me, noble lord,
Hath clouded all thy happy days on earth.
Shak.
Be not disheartened, then, nor cloud those
looks.
Milton.
Nothing clouds men's minds and impairs
their honesty like prejudice.
M. Arnold.
3. To blacken; to sully; to stain; to
tarnish; to damage; -- esp. used of reputation or
character.
I would not be a stander-by to hear
My sovereign mistress clouded so, without
My present vengeance taken.
Shak.
4. To mark with, or darken in, veins or
sports; to variegate with colors; as, to cloud
yarn.
And the nice conduct of a clouded cane.
Pope.
Cloud, v. i. To grow cloudy;
to become obscure with clouds; -- often used with
up.
Worthies, away! The scene begins to
cloud.
Shak.
