An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A colored aureole that is visible around the shadow of an observer’s head, appearing on top of a cloud situated below the observer. A glory is caused by the same optics as a rainbow plus diffraction. → heiligenschein.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. glorie, from L. gloria “great praise or honor,” of uncertain origin.

Etymology (PE): Šokuh, from Mid.Pers. škôh “magnificience, majesty, dignity; fear.”