Definition

Noun: A shawl is a large piece of cloth, often rectangular or square, that is worn over the shoulders or head for warmth, fashion, or religious purposes.

Usage

A shawl is typically draped loosely over the shoulders or wrapped around the upper body. It is a versatile accessory that can be made from various materials like wool, silk, or cashmere, and is used for both practical warmth and decorative style.

Examples

• She wrapped a warm woolen shawl around her shoulders to guard against the evening chill.
• The intricate embroidery on her silk shawl was beautiful.
• In some cultures, women traditionally wear a shawl over their heads.

Advanced Usage

• "To take the shawl": An archaic or historical phrase referring to a woman becoming a nun, as a shawl or veil was part of the traditional habit.
• Shawl as a verb (rare/archaic): To wrap or cover with a shawl.
  • Example: She shawled the baby carefully before going out.

Variants and Related Words

• Stole: A woman's long scarf or shawl, often of fur or fabric, worn loosely over the shoulders.
• Wrap: A general term for a garment or piece of material worn around the body.
• Pashmina: A type of fine cashmere wool, and the shawls made from it.
• Serape / Sarape: A long, blanket-like shawl, often brightly colored, worn in Latin America.

Synonyms

• Scarf
• Wrap
• Cloak
• Mantle

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be (all) shawled up: To be bundled up or warmly dressed, often with a shawl.
  • Example: The grandmother was all shawled up by the fireplace.

Noun

1. cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders