angel

angel [ān′jəl]

n.

[ME aungel < OFr angele or OE engel, or directly < LL(Ec) angelus (> OFr & OE forms) < Gr(Ec) angelos, messenger < ?]

1. Theol.

a) a messenger of God

b) a supernatural being, either good or bad, to whom are attributed greater than human power, intelligence, etc.

2. a guiding spirit or influence [one's good angel]

3. a conventionalized image of a white-robed figure in human form with wings and a halo

4. a person regarded as being as beautiful, good, innocent, etc. as an angel: said esp. of women and children

5. an English gold coin, last issued in 1634, stamped with an image of the archangel Michael and the dragon

☆ 6. Informal a supporter who provides money, as for producing a play

7. a radar echo from something other than an aircraft, as from birds or rain

vt.

Slang to support with money

SYN.- SPONSOR