kell

The caul (membrane)

Noun obsolete

  1. The caul (membrane)
  2. That which covers or envelops, like a caul; a net; a fold; a film.
    • I'll have him cut to the kell. - c. 1608–1610, Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher, “Philaster: Or, Love Lies a Bleeding”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […],...
  3. The cocoon or chrysalis of an insect.
    • Bury himself in every silkworm's kell - 1616, Ben Jonson, The Devil Is an Ass:

Origin

Compare caul.

Forms

kells

Noun obsolete

  1. A kiln.
    • Kell-drying - 1557 February 13 (Gregorian calendar), Thomas Tusser, A Hundreth Good Pointes of Husbandrie, London: […] Richard Tottel, →OCLC:

Forms

kells

Noun alt of, alternative

  1. Alternative spelling of kale (“broth”).