cowl

thumb|100px|Drawing showing a cowl-wearing monk

A cowl is an item of clothing consisting of a long, hooded garment with wide sleeves, often worn by monks. It was developed during the Early Middle Ages. The term may have originally referred to the hooded portion of a cloak, though contemporary usage refers to an entire closed garment. A cowl is traditionally bestowed upon the monk at the time of making a solemn or lifetime profession. Today, it is worn primarily by most Catholic and Anglican monks when participating in liturgical services.