cherub

cherub (chĕr`əb), plural

cherubim, kind of angel. Cherubim were probably thought of in the ancient Middle East as composite creatures like the winged creatures of Assyria. In Jewish tradition, they are described (Ezek. 10) as having four faces and four wings and also as beautiful young men; but late Christian art made plump children of them, as in Raphael's Sistine Madonna. With the seraphim (see seraph) they are said to be in the very presence of God. The color surrounding them is traditionally blue.

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cherub

In Jewish, Christian, and Islamic literature, a celestial winged being with human, animal, or birdlike characteristics. They are included among the angels, and in the Hebrew scriptures they are described as the throne bearers of God. In Christianity and Islam they are celestial attendants of God and praise him continually. Known as karubun in Islam, they repeat “Glory to God” ceaselessly, and they dwell in a section of heaven inaccessible to attacks by the Devil. In art they are often depicted as winged infants. See also seraph.

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cherub

Theol a member of the second order of angels, whose distinctive gift is knowledge, often represented as a winged child or winged head of a child

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cherub

celestial being symbolizing dignity, glory, and honor. [Heraldry: Halberts, 23]

See : Dignity