Cloud

Cloud, klowd, n. a mass of fog, consisting of minute particles of water, often in a frozen state, floating in the atmosphere: (fig.) anything unsubstantial: a great number or multitude of anything, as the New Test. 'cloud of witnesses:' anything that obscures, as a cloud: a dark spot on a lighter material: a great volume of dust or smoke: anything gloomy, overhanging, or bodeful.—v.t. to overspread with clouds: to darken: to defame: to stain with dark spots or streaks.—v.i. to become clouded or darkened.—ns. Cloud′age; Cloud′-berr′y, a low plant related to the bramble, found on elevated moors in Britain, with an orange-red berry of delightful flavour.—adj. Cloud′-built, made of clouds, unsubstantial.—n. Cloud′-burst, a sudden flood of rain over a small area.—adjs. Cloud′-capt (Shak.), capped with or touching the clouds; Cloud′-compel′ling, driving or collecting the clouds, an epithet of Jupiter; Cloud′ed, hidden by clouds: (fig.) darkened: indistinct: variegated with spots, as a 'clouded cane,' &c.—n. Cloud′ery.—adv. Cloud′ily.—ns. Cloud′iness; Cloud′ing, a cloudy appearance.—adj. growing dim.—adjs. Cloud′-kiss′ing (Shak.), touching the clouds; Cloud′less, unclouded, clear.—adv. Cloud′lessly.—n. Cloud′let, a little cloud.—adjs. Cloud′-topped, covered with or touching the clouds; Cloud′y, darkened with, or consisting of, clouds: obscure: gloomy: stained with dark spots: (coll.) 'shady.'—Wait till the clouds roll by, to wait for more favourable circumstances.—Under a cloud, in trouble or disfavour. [A.S. clúd, a hill, then a cloud, the root idea being a mass or ball. Clod and Clot are from the same root.]