[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

cowl \cowl\ koul, n. as. cuhle, cugle, cugele; cf. dial. g.
   kogel, gugel, of. coule, goule; all fr. ll. cuculla,
   cucullus, fr. l. cucullus cap, hood; perh. akin to celare to
   conceal, cella cell. cf. cucullate.
   1. a monk's hood; -- usually attached to the gown. the name
      was also applied to the hood and garment together.
      1913 webster

            what differ more, you cry, than crown and cowl?
                                                  --pope.
      1913 webster

   2. a cowl-shaped cap, commonly turning with the wind, used to
      improve the draft of a chimney, ventilating shaft, etc.
      1913 webster

   3. a wire cap for the smokestack of a locomotive.
      1913 webster

   4. aviation a removable metal covering for an aircraft
      engine, providing streamlining to minimize wind
      resistance; -- also called cowling.
      pjc

   5. a covering for a chimney or other ventilating shaft
      functioning to increase the draft.
      pjc
see also:
cucullate cowling 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

cowling
     n : protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers
         the engine; "there are powerful engines under the hoods
         of new cars"; "the mechanic removed the cowling in order
         to repair the plane's engine" syn: hood, bonnet, cowl
see also:
hood bonnet cowl 

Cowling >> C Words
Cowling, definition of term: Cowling
cowling_pag1.html