Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—C

Caul

The membrane on the heads of some new-born infants, supposed to be a charm against death by drowning.

To be born with a caul was with the Romans tantamount to our phrase, “To be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth,” meaning “born to good luck.” M. Francisque-Michel, in his Philologie-Comparée, p. 83, 4, says: “Calle, espéce de coiffure, est synonyme de coiffé, ” and quotes the proverb, “Ste. Migorce! nous sommes nées coiffées. ” (La Comédie des Proverbes, act ii. 4.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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