Nim"bus (?), n.; pl. L. Nimbi (#), E. Nimbuses (#). [L., a rain storm, a rain cloud, the cloudshaped which enveloped the gods when they appeared on earth.]
1. Fine Arts
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.
⇒ "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.
A rain cloud; one of the four principal varieties of clouds. See Cloud.
© Webster 1913.