caul

¹

[ kawl ]

noun

1. a part of the amnion sometimes covering the head of a child at birth.
2. greater omentum.
3. a net lining in the back of a woman's cap or hat.
4. a cap or hat of net formerly worn by women.

caul

²

[ kawl ]

noun

1. a form or plate for pressing a veneer or veneers being glued to a backing or to each other.

caul

/ kɔːl /

noun

1. a portion of the amniotic sac sometimes covering a child's head at birth
2. a large fold of peritoneum hanging from the stomach across the intestines; the large omentum

Word History and Origins

Origin of caul¹

1300–50; Middle English calle < Middle French cale, probably back formation from calotte “kind of cap”; calotte

Origin of caul²

< French cale shim < German Keil wedge

Word History and Origins

Origin of caul¹

C13: from Old French cale, back formation from calotte close-fitting cap, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, according to some writers, they lay a small piece of the caul upon the fire.

From Project Gutenberg

To roast a leg of lamb or mutton, remove the caul, the pink skin, and the superfluous fat.

From Project Gutenberg

Every means was used for the recovery o' the boy, but it was a' useless, he was quite deed an' caul'.

From Project Gutenberg

She wears a white linen hood which shows the shape of the caul in which her hair is imprisoned.

From Project Gutenberg

Her hair is enclosed in a stiff square caul of gold wire over cloth of gold.

From Project Gutenberg