Cloak \Cloak\ (?; 110), n. [Of. cloque cloak (from the bell-like
shape), bell, F. cloche bell; perh. of Celtic origin and the
same word as E. clock. See 1st Clock.]
1. A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards,
and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape,
and is worn both by men and by women.
2. That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a
fair pretense; a mask; a cover.
No man is esteemed any ways considerable for policy
who wears religion otherwise than as a cloak.
--South.
Cloak bag, a bag in which a cloak or other clothes are
carried; a portmanteau. --Shak.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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