Cherubim

Cherub Cher"ub, n.; pl. {Cherubs}; but the Hebrew plural {Cherubim}is also used. [Heb. ker[=u]b.] 1. A mysterious composite being, the winged footstool and chariot of the Almighty, described in --Ezekiel i. and x. [1913 Webster]

I knew that they were the cherubim. --Ezek. x. 20. [1913 Webster]

He rode upon a cherub and did fly. --Ps. xviii. 10. [1913 Webster]

2. A symbolical winged figure of unknown form used in connection with the mercy seat of the Jewish Ark and Temple. --Ez. xxv. 18. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

4. A beautiful child; -- so called because artists have represented cherubs as beautiful children. [1913 Webster]