caul

Meaning

Noun

• A style of close-fitting circular cap worn by women in the sixteenth century and later, often made of linen.
• 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).
• A membrane.
• The thin membrane which covers the lower intestines; the omentum.
• 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).
• The surface of a press that makes contact with panel product, especially a removable plate or sheet.
• A strip or block of wood used to distribute or direct clamping force.
• Caul fat.

Origin

• From Middle English, from Middle French and Old French cale.