A storm-cloud charged with electricity, that sends forth thunder and lightning.
1697. Dampier, Voy., I. iv. 79. These Tornadoe’s commonly come against the wind…, as our Thunder-Clouds are often observed to do.
1794. Mrs. Radcliffe, Myst. Udolpho, l. The thunder-clouds, being dispersed, had left the sky perfectly serene.
1860. Pusey, Min. Proph., 155. God’s judgments rolled round like a thunder-cloud.
1871. trans. Schellen’s Spectr. Anal., § 7. 21. When the electric spark flashes from the thunder-cloud to the earth.
b. fig. Something threatening or dreadful figured as a cloud.
1783. Cowper, Valediction, 76. To scenes where competition, envy, strife, Beget no thunder-clouds to trouble life.
1898. N. & Q., 9th Ser. II. 138/2. The black thunder-cloud of Spain overshadowed half the heavens.
