WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Nim"bus, n.; pl. L. Nimbi
Part of Speech : E.
Etymology : [L., a rain storm, a rain cloud, the cloudshaped which enveloped the gods when they appeared on earth.]
Definition : 1. (Fine Arts)

Defn: 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.

Note: "The nimbus is of pagan origin." "As an atribute of power, the nimbus is often seen attached to the heads of evil spirits." Fairholl.

2. (Meteor.)

Defn: A rain cloud; one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See Cloud.

Nimbuses.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913