cowl
    n 1: 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" [syn: hood, bonnet, cowl,
         cowling]
    2: a loose hood or hooded robe (as worn by a monk)
    v 1: cover with or as with a cowl; "cowl the boys and veil the
         girls"

Cowl \Cowl\ (koul), n. [AS. cuhle, cugle, cugele; cf. dial. G.
   kogel, gugel, OF. coule, goule; all fr. LL. cuculla,
   cucullus, fr. L. cucullus cap, hood; perh. akin to celare to
   conceal, cella cell. Cf. Cucullate.]
   1. A monk's hood; -- usually attached to the gown. The name
      was also applied to the hood and garment together.
      [1913 Webster]

            What differ more, you cry, than crown and cowl?
                                                  --Pope.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A cowl-shaped cap, commonly turning with the wind, used to
      improve the draft of a chimney, ventilating shaft, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A wire cap for the smokestack of a locomotive.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. (aviation) a removable metal covering for an aircraft
      engine, providing streamlining to minimize wind
      resistance; -- also called cowling.
      [PJC]

   5. a covering for a chimney or other ventilating shaft
      functioning to increase the draft.
      [PJC]

Cowl \Cowl\, n. [Cf. OF. cuvele, cuvel, dim. of F. cuve tub,
   vat, fr. L. cupa. See Cup.]
   A vessel carried on a pole between two persons, for
   conveyance of water. --Johnson.
   [1913 Webster]