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/cher"euhb/, n., pl. cherubs for 3, 4; cherubim /cher"euh bim, -yoo bim/ for 1, 2.1. a celestial being. Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1, 10.2. Theol. a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.3. a beautiful or innocent person, esp. a child.4. a person, esp. a child, with a sweet, chubby, innocent face.[bef. 900; ME < L < Gk < Heb karubh; r. ME cherubin, OE c(h)erubin, cerubim (all sing.) < L cherubim < Gk < Heb karubhim (pl.)]
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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 karūbūn 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.* * *
▪ religionplural Cherubim,in Jewish, Christian, and Islāmic literature, a celestial winged being with human, animal, or birdlike characteristics who functions as a throne bearer of the deity. Derived from ancient Middle Eastern mythology and iconography, these celestial beings serve important liturgical and intercessory functions in the hierarchy of angels. The term most likely derives from the Akkadian kāribu, or kūribu (from the verb karābu, meaning “to pray,” or “to bless”).Old Testament descriptions of the cherubim emphasize their supernatural mobility and their cultic role as throne bearers of God, rather than their intercessory functions. In Christianity the cherubim are ranked among the higher orders of angels and, as celestial attendants of God, continually praise him. Known as karūbiyūn in Islām, the cherubim continuously praise God by repeating the tasbīḥ (“Glory to Allāh”) and dwell in peace in an area of the heavens that is inaccessible to attacks from Iblīs, or the devil. Compare seraph.* * *
Universalium. 2010.