caul

noun

1
: the large fatty omentum covering the intestines (as of a cow, sheep, or pig)
2
: the inner fetal membrane of higher vertebrates especially when covering the head at birth

Examples of caul in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, that was Mother in a nutshell, or a caul: an overemotional territory with no boundaries whatsoever. Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 In this preparation, the ground-beef filling is wrapped in a delicate cabbage-leaf caul, and then braised in canned tomato soup. Ruby Tandoh, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024 And the child, Hallow, carries a caul. Time, 2 Apr. 2021 Less lucky was Gabriel, whose must-have ingredient was caul fat. oregonlive, 2 Apr. 2021 The Melancons are powerful and prosperous, thanks to their magical caul that has healing properties. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 16 Dec. 2022 En caul is the term used when a baby is born inside the still-intact amniotic sac. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE.com, 9 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calle net, omentum, probably from Old English cawl basket

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caul was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near caul

Cite this Entry

“Caul.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caul. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

caul

noun
1
2
: the inner embryonic membrane of higher vertebrates especially when covering the head at birth

More from Merriam-Webster on caul

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!