Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Caul
Caul
(ka̤l)
, Noun.
[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.)
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 the warming of the lower belly. Ray.
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. Grose.
I was born with a
caul
, which was advertised for sale, in the newspapers, at the low price of fifteen guineas. Dickens.
Webster 1828 Edition
Caul
CAUL
,Noun.
1.
In anatomy, a membrane in the abdomen, covering the greatest part of the lower intestines, called from its structure, reticuluim, a net, but more generally, the omentum; also, a little membrane sometimes encompassing the head of a child when born.2.
A kind of net in which females inclose their hair; the hinder part of a cap.3.
Any kind of net.