3 definitions
for caul
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :
Caul \Caul\ (k[add]l), n. [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.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Anat.) 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.
--Ray.
[1913 Webster]
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; -- called also a veil.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
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.
[1913 Webster]
I was born with a caul, which was advertised for
sale, in the newspapers, at the low price of fifteen
guineas. --Dickens.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 2.0 :
caul
n 1: part of the peritoneum attached to the stomach and to the
colon and covering the intestines [syn: greater omentum,
gastrocolic omentum]
2: the inner embryonic membrane of higher vertebrates
(especially when covering the head at birth) [syn: veil,
embryonic membrane]
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary :
Caul
(Heb. yothe'reth; i.e., "something redundant"), the membrane
which covers the upper part of the liver (Ex. 29:13, 22; Lev.
3:4, 10, 15; 4:9; 7:4; marg., "midriff"). In Hos. 13:8 (Heb.
seghor; i.e., "an enclosure") the pericardium, or parts about
the heart, is meant.
