from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cloak \Cloak\ (kl[=o]k; 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.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a
fair pretense; a mask; a cover.
[1913 Webster]
No man is esteemed any ways considerable for policy
who wears religion otherwise than as a cloak.
--South.
[1913 Webster]
{Cloak bag}, a bag in which a cloak or other clothes are
carried; a portmanteau. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]