CAUL

caul, veil, embryonic membrane

(noun) the inner membrane of embryos in higher vertebrates (especially when covering the head at birth)

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

caul (plural cauls)

(historical) A style of close-fitting circular cap worn by women in the sixteenth century and later, often made of linen. [from 14th c.]

(British, historical, often capitalized, used on maps) An entry to a mill lead taken from a burn or stream (a mill lead (or mill waterway) is generally smaller than a canal but moves a large volume of water). [chiefly 1800-1950]

(anatomy, obsolete except in specific senses) A membrane. [14th-17th c.]

The thin membrane which covers the lower intestines; the omentum. [from 14th c.]

The amnion which encloses the foetus before birth, especially that part of it which sometimes shrouds a baby’s head at birth (traditionally considered to be good luck). [from 16th c.]

The surface of a press that makes contact with panel product, especially a removable plate or sheet.

(woodworking) A strip or block of wood used to distribute or direct clamping force.

(culinary) Caul fat.

Anagrams

• ACLU, LUCA, Luca, UCLA

Source: Wiktionary

Caul, n. Etym: [OE. calle, kelle, prob. fr. F. cale; cf. Ir. calla a veil.]

1. A covering of network for the head, worn by women; also, a net. Spenser.

2. (Anat.)

Definition: The fold of membrane loaded with fat, which covers more or less of the intestines in mammals; the great omentum See Omentum. The caul serves for warming of the lower belly. Ray.

3. A part of the amnion, one of the membranes enveloping the fetus, which sometimes is round the head of a child at its birth. 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 Chysostom, the midwives frequently sold it for magic uses. Grose. I was born with a caul, which was advertised for sale, in the newspapers, at the low price of fifteen guineas. Dickens.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition