Orb (?), n. [OF. orb blind, fr.
L. orbus destitute.] (Arch.) A blank window or
panel. [Obs.] Oxf. Gloss.
Orb, n. [F. orbe, fr. L.
orbis circle, orb. Cf. Orbit.]
1. A spherical body; a globe; especially, one
of the celestial spheres; a sun, planet, or star.
In the small orb of one particular
tear.
Shak.
Whether the prime orb,
Incredible how swift, had thither rolled.
Milton.
2. One of the azure transparent spheres
conceived by the ancients to be inclosed one within another, and to
carry the heavenly bodies in their revolutions.
3. A circle; esp., a circle, or nearly
circular orbit, described by the revolution of a heavenly body; an
orbit.
The schoolmen were like astronomers, which did feign
eccentrics, and epicycles, and such engines of
orbs.
Bacon.
You seem to me as Dian in her orb.
Shak.
In orbs
Of circuit inexpressible they stood,
Orb within orb.
Milton.
4. A period of time marked off by the
revolution of a heavenly body. [R.] Milton.
5. The eye, as luminous and spherical.
[Poetic]
A drop serene hath quenched their
orbs.
Milton.
6. A revolving circular body; a wheel.
[Poetic]
The orbs
Of his fierce chariot rolled.
Milton.
7. A sphere of action. [R.]
Wordsworth.
But in our orbs we'll live so round and
safe.
Shak
8. Same as Mound, a ball or globe. See
lst Mound.
9. (Mil.) A body of soldiers drawn up
in a circle, as for defense, esp. infantry to repel
cavalry.
Syn. -- Globe; ball; sphere. See Globe.
Orb (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Orbed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Orbing.] 1. To form into an orb or
circle. [Poetic] Milton. Lowell.
2. To encircle; to surround; to
inclose. [Poetic]
The wheels were orbed with gold.
Addison.Orb, v. i. To become round like an
orb. [Poetic]
And orb into the perfect star.
Tennyson.