veil

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a covering of very thin transparent material worn, especially by women, to protect or hide the face, or as part of a hat, etc: a bridal veil 2 a piece of fabric worn by NUNS over the head and shoulders 3 [sing.] (written) something that stops you from learning the truth about a situation: Their work is carried out behind a veil of secrecy. * It would be better to draw a veil over what happened next (= not talk about it). 4 [sing.] (written) a thin layer that stops you from seeing sth: The mountain tops were hidden beneath a veil of mist. IDIOMS take the veil (old-fashioned) to become a NUN verb [VN] 1 to cover your face with a veil 2 (literary) to cover sth with sth that hides it partly or completely: A fine drizzle began to veil the hills. * eyes veiled with tears