CAUL, a close-fitting woman's cap, especially one made of network worn in the 16th and 17th centuries ; hence the mem branous covering to the heart, brain, or the intestines, and par ticularly, a portion of the amnion, which is sometimes found remaining round the head of a child after birth. To this, called in Scotland "sely how," holy or lucky hood, many superstitions have been attached ; it was looked on as a sign of good luck, and when preserved, was kept as a protection against drowning.