Definition of: veil

(vāl) noun
1. A piece of thin and light fabric, worn over the face or head for concealment, protection, or ornament.
2. Any piece of fabric used to conceal an object; a screen; curtain; mask.
3. Figuratively, that which conceals from inspection; a disguise; pretext.
4. A velum.
5. A caul.
6. The life of a nun; vows made by a nun.
—to take the veil To become a nun.
—v.t.
1. To cover with a veil.
2. To hide; disguise. See synonyms under HIDE¹, MASK¹, PALLIATE. Also, Obs., vail. ♦ Homophones: vail, vale. [<OF veile <L velum piece of cloth, sail]
—veiled adjective
—veil′er noun