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Word Study
caul
CIDE DICTIONARY
caul, n. [OE. calle, kelle, prob. fr. F. cale; cf. Ir. calla a veil.].
- A covering of network for the head, worn by women; also, a net. Spenser. [1913 Webster]
- The fold of membrane loaded with fat, which covers more or less of the intestines in mammals; the great omentum. See Omentum. [1913 Webster]"The caul serves for the warming of the lower belly." [1913 Webster]
- A part of the amnion, one of the membranes enveloping the fetus, which sometimes is round the head of a child at its birth; -- called also a
veil . [1913 Webster]"It is deemed lucky to be with a caul or membrane over the face. This caul is esteemed an infallible preservative against drowning . . . According to Chrysostom, the midwives frequently sold it for magic uses." [1913 Webster]"I was born with a caul, which was advertised for sale, in the newspapers, at the low price of fifteen guineas." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
caul, n.
1 a the inner membrane enclosing a foetus. b part of this occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck.
2 hist. a a woman's close-fitting indoor head-dress. b the plain back part of a woman's indoor head-dress.
3 the omentum.
1 a the inner membrane enclosing a foetus. b part of this occasionally found on a child's head at birth, thought to bring good luck.
2 hist. a a woman's close-fitting indoor head-dress. b the plain back part of a woman's indoor head-dress.
3 the omentum.
Etymology
ME perh. f. OF cale small cap
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