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.
CAULESCENT
Cau*les"cent, a. Etym: [L. caulis stalk, stem: cf. F. caulescent.]
(Bot.)
Defn: Having a leafy stem.
CAULICLE
Cau"li*cle, n. (Bot.)
Defn: A short caulis or stem, esp. the rudimentary stem seen in the embryo of seed; — otherwise called a radicle.
CAULICULUS Cau*lic"u*lus, n.; pl. Cauliculi Etym: [L. caulculus little stalk, dim. of caulis.] (Arch.)
Defn: In the Corinthian capital, one of the eight stalks rising out of the lower leafage and terminating in leaves which seem to suport the volutes. See Illust. of Corinthian order, under Corinthian.