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chérubin

cherub

noun sheh-roo-BAN Rare

Origin: From Hebrew 'kerub' via Latin 'cherubim'.

Also means

chubby-cheeked child (affectionate)

Usage Note

Chérubin refers either to a cherub in the theological/artistic sense — a winged angelic figure — or affectionately to a rosy, angelic-looking child. The plural chérubins is standard; the Hebrew liturgical plural chérubim appears in religious texts. In everyday French the word is often used playfully by parents or grandparents.

Examples

"L'artiste a peint des chérubins au plafond."

Natural Translation

The artist painted cherubs on the ceiling.

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