A cowl is an item of clothing consisting of a long, hooded garment with wide sleeves, often worn by monks. It is traditionally worn by Catholic and Anglican monks during liturgical services and is distinguished from a cloak or cape by the fact that it refers to an entire closed garment
. In a different context, the term "cowl" can also refer to other objects such as a chimney covering, the top portion of the front part of an automobile body, or the space between the hood and the windshield of a car where the windshield wipers are located
