A membrane or tissue that covers part of an organ or structure, especially the net-like fold of tissue in the abdomen, or a thin membrane that sometimes covers a newborn's head at birth.
From Old French 'caule' and Latin 'caula' (pen or enclosure). The term evolved to describe membrane-like coverings in anatomy, particularly after observations of birth.
A baby born with a 'caul'—a rare membrane covering the head—was considered lucky or magical in many cultures, and sailors especially saved cauls for protection, which made them valuable commodities historically.
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