Cloak (?; 110), n. [Of. cloque cloak (from the bell-like shape), bell, F. cloche bell; perh. of Celtik origin and the same word as E. clock. See 1st Clock.]
1.
A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards, and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape, and is worn both by men and by women.
2.
That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense; a mask; a cover.
No man is esteemed any ways considerable for policy who wears religion otherwise than as a cloak.
South.
Cloak bag, a bag in which a cloak or other clothes are carried; a portmanteau.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Cloak, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cloaked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Cloaking.]
To cover with, or as with, a cloak; hence, to hide or conceal.
Now glooming sadly, so to cloak her matter.
Spenser.
Syn. -- See Palliate.
© Webster 1913.