/man"tl/ , n. , v. , mantled, mantling .
n.
1. a loose, sleeveless cloak or cape.
2. something that covers, envelops, or conceals: the mantle of darkness.
3. Geol. the portion of the earth, about 1800 mi. (2900 km) thick, between the crust and the core. Cf. core 1 (def. 10), crust (def. 6).
4. Zool. a single or paired outgrowth of the body wall that lines the inner surface of the valves of the shell in mollusks and brachiopods.
5. a chemically prepared, incombustible network hood for a gas jet, kerosene wick, etc., that, when the jet or wick is lighted, becomes incandescent and gives off a brilliant light.
6. Ornith. the back, scapular, and inner wing plumage, esp. when of the same color and distinct from other plumage.
7. mantel.
8. Metall. a continuous beam set on a ring of columns and supporting the upper brickwork of a blast furnace in such a way that the brickwork of the hearth and bosh may be readily replaced.
v.t.
9. to cover with or as if with a mantle; envelop; conceal.
v.i.
10. to spread or cover a surface, as a blush over the face.
11. to flush; blush.
12. (of a hawk) to spread out one wing and then the other over the corresponding outstretched leg.
13. to be or become covered with a coating, as a liquid; foam: The champagne mantled in the glass.
[ bef. 900; ME mantel, OE maentel mantellum ]
Syn. 2. veil, cover, blanket, screen, cloak.