cloak
pronunciation
How to pronounce cloak in British English:
UK [kləʊk]
How to pronounce cloak in American English:
US [kloʊk]
-
- Noun:
- anything that covers or conceals
- a loose outer garment
-
- Verb:
- hide under a false appearance
Word Origin
- cloak (n.)
- late 13c., "long, loose outer garment," from Old North French cloque (Old French cloche, cloke) "travelling cloak," from Medieval Latin clocca "travelers' cape," literally "a bell," so called from the garment's bell-like shape (the word is thus a doublet of clock (n.1)). An article of everyday wear in England through 16c., somewhat revived 19c. as a fashion garment. Cloak-and-dagger (adj.) attested from 1848, said to be ultimately translating French de cape et d'épée, suggestive of stealthy violence and intrigue. Other "cloak and dagger pieces," as Bouterwek tells us the Spaniards call their intriguing comedies, might be tried advantageously in the night, .... ["Levana; or the Doctrine of Education," English translation, London, 1848]
- cloak (v.)
- c. 1500, from cloak (n.). Figuratively from 1540s. Related: Cloaked; cloaking.
Example
- 1. After twenty minutes , she took a little flask out of her cloak .
- 2. He is usually shrouded in a cloak , not clean-shaved and wears black .
- 3. Then she hides nearby and puts on the countess 's cloak .
- 4. Hale 's son always said that , in his father 's case , languages were a cloak for a shy man .
- 5. Researchers in europe have built a magnetic cloak that , in theory , is reasonably practical to manufacture .