WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Caul
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [OE. calle, kelle, prob. fr. F. cale; cf. Ir. calla a veil.]
Definition : 1. A covering of network for the head, worn by women; also, a net. Spenser.

2. (Anat.)

Defn: 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 warming of the lower belly. Ray.

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. 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 Chysostom, 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913