sun-angel

plural sun-angels

1. alternativeAlternative form of sunangel.

   The mars sun-angel is a native of the Andes, and is a very rare bird, no other of the species has the same colouring.

   1883, Thomas John Barnardo, Our Darlings, page 54

   2 more examples

   The little group of hummers, called by the poetical name of sun-angels, are all remarkable for the exceeding lustre of the feathers decorating their throats.

   1877, Arthur's Illustrated Home Magazine, volumes 45-46, page 131

   In most hummingbirds, only the male is iridescent, but in the South American tourmaline sun-angel, some females are as well, while others are plain-coloured.

   1986, BBC Wildlife, volumes 4-5, page 126

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see sun, angel.

   According to poetical conception this was Uriel the sun-angel.

   1881, The Epistle to the Hebrews, page 270

   2 more examples

   "This is not a woman!" declared Philip with heat and eagerness, " at least not the sort of woman I have ever known! This is a forest-empress, sea-goddess, or sun-angel !..."

   1888, Marie Corelli, Thelma: a Norwegian Princess, page 24

   It is especially popular in Persia where at one time Meher or Mithra, the sun or sun-angel, was held in high veneration.

   1899, Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, volume 9, Part 2, page 216