[cowl] n [ME cowle, fr. OE cugele, fr. LL cuculla monk's hood, fr. L cucullus hood] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a hood or long hooded cloak esp. of a monk b: a draped neckline on a woman's garment
2. a: a chimney covering designed to improve the draft b: the top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board c: cowling
[2]cowl vt (1536): to cover with or as if with a cowl