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The cowl (from the Latin cuculla, meaning a hood) is an item of clothing consisting of a long, hooded garment with wide sleeves. Originally it may have referred simply to the hooded portion of a cloak.he cowl (from the Latin cuculla, meaning a hood) is an item of clothing consisting of a long, hooded garment with wide sleeves. Originally it may have referred simply to the hooded portion of a cloak.
Wondering why on earth it's called a cowl neck? Well then, it's time for a fun little history lesson! The word cowl comes from the Latin, cuculla, meaning hood and rope, and during medieval times, the cowl was a piece of clothing, made up of a hood and shoulder cape (think Robin Hood).