veil1 nounveil2 verb
veilveil1 /veɪl/ ●○○ noun [countable] 
WORD ORIGINveil1
Origin:
1100-1200 Old North French veile, from Latin vela, plural of velum ‘sail, curtain, cloth, veil’EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- As the road climbed upward, gray-white cloud veils drifted among the dales, chiffon scarves of some giant Isadora Duncan.
- But through the veil of darkness I got the sense that this would be a special trip.
- One day an older woman who wore the veil cursed her and accused her of being loose.
- Shaped like straw mushrooms, they are completely clear except for a gossamer veil which makes up their body.
- The client has thrown a veil of secrecy over the development, with contractors reluctant to discuss the project.
- The snow had come again, its veil dropping between Gentle and Pie.
- The white pony comes complete with veil, wedding cake, wedding ring, comb and ribbon, for perfect grooming!
- What is behind a hijab, the veil that means a barrier?
WORD SETS
anorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Watson deserves credit for lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding Brenda’s death.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES the veil of secrecy that covered the talks
Watson deserves credit for lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding Brenda’s death. (=a thin layer)· A thin veil of cloud hid the moon.
(=an amount of mist that prevents you seeing something clearly)· We looked up, through the veil of mist, at the waterfall.
(=be unable to be explained)· The origins of this tradition remain shrouded in mystery.
the veil of secrecy that covered the talks (=one that is not made directly)· The emails contained thinly veiled threats of harm.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· She watches me through a black veil that hangs from a black hat.· One wears a burqa, the black veil, the other a colourful scarf.· They came up the steps with a Coptic woman in a long black gown and veil.· The glint of diamanté or pearl-embroidered dresses could be seen under black veils.· I dressed and then went to my suitcase, searching for an old, black veil.· As she stooped lower her breath, caught in all the black veils, smelled terrible.· The heat of the sun seemed absorbed into her black veil which was ragged and dusty.· They moved slowly, their black veils floating around them.
· Dundee began to disappear behind a white veil while Chick drank his way steadily down the half-bottle.· The buildings were only specters glimpsed through the thick white veils the air had become.· Mary was carrying a long white veil and dress over her arm.· She put on a red petticoat first, then a black dress, and a white veil over the dress.· She was dressed in a dark blue gown, the white veil hiding her beautiful chestnut hair.· He took off her white veil, and then he took off her black dress, and put it on the floor.· Her hair had been braided and was concealed under a heart-shaped silver head-dress with a transparent white veil.· Her hair, which was long and fair, was almost entirely covered by her white veil.
VERB· The food is dumpling-based, substantial, and it would be kinder to draw a veil over the indigenous wine lake.· Beyond the budding boughs I could see the edge of its shadow drawing its veil aside.· His brain drew a veil over the sickening consequences.
· She had lifted back the veil and looked stunningly beautiful.· Perhaps he will soon lift the veils on the Westland Saga and the sinking of the Belgrano.
· One day an older woman who wore the veil cursed her and accused her of being loose.· At most weddings the bride wears a veil but at this wedding the bride was wearing a beautiful top hat.· Like Matilda, she had worn the veil, probably for several years; but she too had never taken religious vows.· She had made a gesture in the direction of decency by wearing a veil, behind which she sat disdainfully.· The women don't wear veils, though high-class Berber women are often secluded.· He recognized that, although she had worn the veil for several years, she had never made her monastic profession.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► take the veil► the veilPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1a thin piece of material that women wear to cover their faces at formal occasions or for religious reasons: - His brain drew a veil over the sickening consequences.
- The food is dumpling-based, substantial, and it would be kinder to draw a veil over the indigenous wine lake.
- He had apparently recovered from his visit to Johanna, hiding his feelings behind the usual veil of secrecy.
- Justice can not prevail under a veil of secrecy or behind doors that do not open.
- The client has thrown a veil of secrecy over the development, with contractors reluctant to discuss the project.
- The moon was hidden under a veil of clouds, and there was not a breath of wind.
- Whose light retires behind its veil of cloud.
- His brain drew a veil over the sickening consequences.
- The food is dumpling-based, substantial, and it would be kinder to draw a veil over the indigenous wine lake.
- Almost all his climbs have a certain something: a thinly disguised air of intimidation often allied to a raw brutality.
- Both, however, were under external threat from barbarians more or less thinly disguised.
- Dole passed up two thinly veiled invitations by moderator Jim Lehrer to address so-called character issues.
- Hardly compatible with discretion, that I should ride to the Palace in so thinly disguised a vehicle.
- I should hate to give the impression that my love for you is but thinly disguised lust.
- Mostly they turned out to be thinly disguised candidate ads, a violation of the spirit of the law at best.
- Mrs Thatcher's public speeches contained thinly veiled warning messages to colleagues who doubted the strategy.
- She was only thinly veiled, and Rostov could see that although she was beautiful, she was old.
She lifted her veil with both hands. a bridal veil2the veil the system in Islamic countries in which women must cover their hair and faces in public3draw a veil over something formal to avoid talking about something that happened in the past because it is unpleasant or embarrassing: I think it best to draw a veil over the whole incident.4veil of secrecy/deceit/silence etc formal something that hides the truth about a situation: Watson deserves credit for lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding Brenda’s death. His pornography was covered by a veil of respectability.5veil of mist/cloud/smoke etc a thin layer of mist, cloud etc that makes it difficult to see clearly: The moon was hidden behind a veil of clouds.6take the veil old-fashioned to become a nunveil1 nounveil2 verb
veilveil2 verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
veil
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | veil |
| he, she, it | veils | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | veiled |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have veiled |
| he, she, it | has veiled | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had veiled |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will veil |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have veiled |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am veiling |
| he, she, it | is veiling | |
| you, we, they | are veiling | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was veiling |
| you, we, they | were veiling | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been veiling |
| he, she, it | has been veiling | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been veiling |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be veiling |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been veiling |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The women were veiled from head to foot.
- Basil Rocke had a very puckish sense of humour and wryness which veiled a deep kindliness.
- Dole passed up two thinly veiled invitations by moderator Jim Lehrer to address so-called character issues.
- She stood up straight, wiped at her face and seemed alarmed to find it veiled.
- Thinly veiled corporate speak acknowledged the clash.
- We saw the moon appear and disappear, veiled by clouds.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES the veil of secrecy that covered the talks
(=a thin layer)· A thin veil of cloud hid the moon.
(=an amount of mist that prevents you seeing something clearly)· We looked up, through the veil of mist, at the waterfall.
(=be unable to be explained)· The origins of this tradition remain shrouded in mystery.
the veil of secrecy that covered the talks (=one that is not made directly)· The emails contained thinly veiled threats of harm.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1 be veiled in mystery/secrecy etc formal if something is veiled in mystery etc, people do not know the truth about it so it seems strange or mysterious: - His brain drew a veil over the sickening consequences.
- The food is dumpling-based, substantial, and it would be kinder to draw a veil over the indigenous wine lake.
- Almost all his climbs have a certain something: a thinly disguised air of intimidation often allied to a raw brutality.
- Both, however, were under external threat from barbarians more or less thinly disguised.
- Dole passed up two thinly veiled invitations by moderator Jim Lehrer to address so-called character issues.
- Hardly compatible with discretion, that I should ride to the Palace in so thinly disguised a vehicle.
- I should hate to give the impression that my love for you is but thinly disguised lust.
- Mostly they turned out to be thinly disguised candidate ads, a violation of the spirit of the law at best.
- Mrs Thatcher's public speeches contained thinly veiled warning messages to colleagues who doubted the strategy.
- She was only thinly veiled, and Rostov could see that although she was beautiful, she was old.
The details of the evacuation are veiled in secrecy.2to cover something with a veil: A black kerchief modestly veiled her hair.3literary to partly hide something so that it cannot be seen clearly: A fine rain was beginning to veil the hills.