Caul /(ka̤l)/

Caul

n.
  1. A covering of network for the head, worn by women; also, a net.
  2. The fold of membrane loaded with fat, which covers more or less of the intestines in mammals; the great omentum. See Omentum. (Anat.)
    The caul serves for the warming of the lower belly.
  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; -- called also a veil.
    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 Chrysostom, 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.