[an.gel] n [ME, fr. OE engel & OF angele; both fr. LL angelus, fr. Gk angelos, lit., messenger] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a spiritual being superior to man in power and intelligence; esp: one in the lowest rank in the celestial hierarchy b pl: an order of angels--see celestial hierarchy
2: an attendant spirit or guardian
3: a white-robed winged figure of human form in fine art
4: messenger, harbinger "~ of death"
5: a person like an angel (as in looks or behavior)
6. Christian Science: inspiration from God 7: one (as a backer of a theatrical venture) who aids or supports with money or influence 8: angelfish -- an.gel.ic or an.gel.i.cal adj -- an.gel.i.cal.ly adv