from
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
cowling
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}]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]