Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COWL, n. [contracted from Sax. cugle, cugele; L. cucullus; Ir. cochal; Sp. cogulla; Port. cogula, cucula.]

1. A monk's hood, or habit, worn by the Bernardines and Benedictines. It is either white or black. What differ more, you cry, than crown and cowl? – Pope.
2. A vessel to be carried on a pole betwixt two persons, for the conveyance of water. – Johnson.