Definition

1. Noun:

   • A loose hood or a hooded robe, especially as worn by a monk: A garment covering the head and shoulders, often part of a monastic habit.
   • A protective metal covering for an engine: The removable covering over the engine of a vehicle, such as a car or airplane.

2. Verb:

   • To cover with or as if with a cowl: To put a hood over something or to drape something in a hood-like manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The monk pulled his cowl over his head to shield himself from the rain.
  • The mechanic lifted the cowl to inspect the aircraft's engine.

• Verb:

  • The sculptor chose to cowl the statue's head, giving it an air of mystery.

Advanced Usage

• "To take the cowl": This is an archaic or literary phrase meaning to become a monk, to enter a monastic order.
  • After years of travel, he decided to take the cowl and live a life of prayer.

Variants and Related Words

• Cowling (noun): A more specific term for the removable metal covering over an engine, especially on an aircraft.
  • The plane's cowling was damaged during the storm.

Synonyms

• Noun (for hood): Hood, mantle, veil.
• Noun (for engine cover): Hood (chiefly US), bonnet (chiefly UK), casing, covering.

Related Phrases

• "The cowl does not make the monk": A proverb meaning that appearances can be deceptive; wearing the clothes of a religious order does not make one pious or virtuous.
  • He may dress like a scholar, but remember, the cowl does not make the monk.

Noun

1. a loose hood or hooded robe (as worn by a monk)
2. protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine
   • there are powerful engines under the hoods of new cars
   • the mechanic removed the cowling in order to repair the plane's engine

Verb

1. cover with or as with a cowl
   • cowl the boys and veil the girls