cowl
UK[kaʊl]US[kaʊl]
n
a large loose hood, especially one forming part of a monk's habit.
n
a hood-shaped covering for a chimney or ventilation shaft.
n
the part of a motor vehicle body that supports the windshield and dashboard and covers the instruments and sometimes the engine.
Etymology
the word 'cowl' entered english from old english 'cūle', which was borrowed from latin 'cuculla', meaning a hood or a cowl. the latin term is a diminutive of 'cucullus', which itself is of uncertain, possibly pre-latin, origin. the core meaning of a hooded garment, particularly for a monk, has remained remarkably stable from its latin source through its old english adoption into modern english. its application expanded metaphorically to describe similar hood-shaped coverings in architecture and automotive design, preserving the essential concept of a protective or concealing hood.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from latin, where 'cuculla' meant a hood or cowl. its functional role is as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
the monk pulled his cowl over his head against the cold rain.
a metal cowl was fitted to the chimney to improve the draft.
the mechanic opened the cowl to access the aircraft's engine.