from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Nacelle \Na*celle"\ (n[.a]*s[e^]l"), n. [F.]
1. A small boat. [Obs.]
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. The basket suspended from a balloon; hence, the framework
forming the body of a dirigible balloon, and containing
the machinery, passengers, etc.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
3. A streamlined enclosure on an airplane, as for the engine
or for the cargo or passengers; -- formerly used to refer
to the boatlike, inclosed body of an airplane which is
usually now called the {fuselage}, and now referring
mostly to the enclosure for the engine.
[Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]