LOOM

v. & n. --v.intr. (often foll. by up) 1 come into sight dimly, esp. as a vague and often magnified or threatening shape. 2 (of an event or prospect) be ominously close. --n. a vague often exaggerated first appearance of land at sea etc. [prob. f. LG or Du.: cf. E Fris. lomen move slowly, MHG lâemen be weary]