n. Originally, a hood covering the face, worn by nuns of certain orders; also, a veil worn by women, and covering the head and shoulders, the word having different meanings at different periods from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century.n. Hence The material of which such a garment was made.n. A silk fabric having a very light “grain” or cord, in distinction from ottoman, which has a heavy cord (gros grain), and from surah, which is twilled.