angel; messenger of God; metaphor for an innocent and lovely person
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesnoun
angel; divine messenger (in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.)
neutralIn Western art and literature, often depicted as a winged maiden or child.
Many beautiful angels are painted on the church's frescoes.
In legend, angels are messengers who deliver divine oracles.
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The angel in this painting has a pair of pure white wings.
noun
metaphor for an innocent, pure, and lovely person (often a woman or child)
commendatoryModern figurative usage expressing affection and admiration.
This child smiles like an angel.
Nurses are the angels in white in the hospital.
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She is the little angel in everyone's eyes, bringing joy to all.
noun
imperial envoy; messenger of the emperor
archaicArchaic usage, primarily found in classical literature.
In ancient times, imperial envoys held credentials and were sent on missions in all directions.
The emperor dispatched an imperial envoy to the border fortress to proclaim the imperial decree.