2. The circle of rays, or halo of light, with which painters
surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ,
saints, and others held in special reverence.
Note: Limited to the head, it is strictly termed a nimbus;
when it envelops the whole body, an aureola.
--Fairholt.
3. A halo, actual or figurative.
The glorious aureole of light seen around the sun
during total eclipses. --Proctor.
The aureole of young womanhood. --O. W.
Holmes.