NIMBUS

Nim″bus (?), n.; pl. L. Nimbi (#), E. Nimbuses (#). [] 1. 1. (Fine Arts) A circle, or disk, or any indication of radiant light around the heads of divinities, saints, and sovereigns, upon medals, pictures, etc.; a halo. See Aureola, and Glory, n., 5.
☞ “The nimbus is of pagan origin.” “As an attribute of power, the nimbus is often seen attached to the heads of evil spirits.” Fairholl. 2. 2. (Meteor.) A rain cloud; one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See Cloud.