angels

Noun

angel (plural angels)

1. An incorporeal and holy or semidivine messenger from a deity or other divine entity, traditionally depicted as a youthful, winged figure in flowing robes.
   • The dear good angel of the Spring, / The nightingale.1641, Ben Jonson, The Sad Shepherd
   1. (Abrahamic religion) One of the lowest order of such beings, below virtues.
2. (figuratively) Someone who is pure or innocent.
   • Michael Brown, 18, due to be buried on Monday, was no angel, with public records and interviews with friends and family revealing both problems and promise in his young life.2014 August 25, John Eligon, “Michael Brown Spent Last Weeks Grappling With Problems and Promise”, in The New York Times, →ISSN
3. (figuratively) Someone who is kind or selfless.
   • Thanks for making me breakfast in bed, you little angel.
4. (figuratively) Someone, especially a woman or child, having youthful, wholesome, or radiant beauty.
5. (obsolete) Attendant spirit; genius; demon.
   • Diſpaire thy Charme, / And let the Angell whom thou ſtill haſt ſeru’d / Tell thee, Macduffe was from his Mothers womb / Vntimely ript.c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...

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