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n. 1. A sphere or spherical object. 2. a. A celestial body, such as the sun or moon. b. Archaic The earth. 3. One of a series of concentric transparent spheres thought by ancient and medieval astronomers to rotate about the earth and carry the celestial bodies. 4. A globe surmounted by a cross, used as a symbol of monarchial power and justice. 5. An eye or eyeball. 6. Archaic Something of circular form; a circle or orbit. v. orbed, orb·ing, orbs v.tr. 1. To shape into a circle or sphere. 2. Archaic To encircle; enclose. v.intr. Archaic To move in an orbit. [Middle English orbe, orbit, from Old French, from Latin orbis, circle, disk, orbit; see orbh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) orblate 12th-century German Imperial Orb of the Holy Roman Empire |
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