Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. (historical) A style of close-fitting circular cap worn by women in the sixteenth century and later, often made of linen.
2. (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).
3. (anatomy, obsolete except in specific senses) A membrane.
4. The thin membrane which covers the lower intestines; the omentum.
5. 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).
6. The surface of a press that makes contact with panel product, especially a removable plate or sheet.
7. (woodworking) A strip or block of wood used to distribute or direct clamping force.
8. (cooking) Caul fat.

Example Sentences

Ne spared they to strip her naked all. / Then when they had despoild her tire and call, / Such as she was, their eyes might her behold […]

I was born with a caul, which was advertised for sale, in the newspapers, at the low price of fifteen guineas.

Even in the mid seventeenth century a country gentleman might regard his caul as a treasure to be preserved with great care, and bequeathed to his descendants.

Word Forms

• cauls
• call
• cawl

Synonyms for caul

Related Words

When Should You Use Caul?

Use caul when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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