A loose outer garment, like a long cape, that hangs from the shoulders and often has a hood. As a verb, it means to cover or hide something.
From Old North French "cloque" meaning "traveler’s cloak," from Medieval Latin "cloca" meaning "bell," probably referring to its bell-like shape. The garment’s shape gave it its name.
Cloaks were like wearable tents—simple, shapeless, and protective—which is why they became symbols of mystery and disguise. When we talk about things being "cloaked" today, we’re borrowing that image of something hidden under a flowing cover.
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