n. & v.
--n.
1. an outdoor over-garment, usu. sleeveless, hanging loosely from the shoulders.
2 a covering (cloak of snow).
3 (in pl.) CLOAKROOM.
--v.tr.
1. cover with a cloak.
2 conceal, disguise.
Phrases and idioms:
cloak-and-dagger involving intrigue and espionage. under the cloak of using as a pretext.
Etymology: ME f. OF cloke, dial. var. of cloche bell, cloak (from its bell shape) f. med.L clocca bell: see CLOCK(1)