Definition of veil

The word "veil" derives from the Old English word "fælan", which meant "to hide" or "cover". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fabalan", which meant "to wrap". In its earliest usage, "veil" referred specifically to a cloth or covering worn to conceal something or someone. This could be for practical reasons, such as to protect clothing or skin from the elements, or for religious or ceremonial purposes, such as to symbolize reverence or humility. Over time, the meanings of the word have expanded to include both physical and metaphorical concepts. Today, the word "veil" can refer to a variety of things, such as a fabric draped over an object to hide it, a social or cultural barrier that prevents certain groups from accessing opportunities or resources, or a veil of secrecy that obscures the truth. In literature and poetry, the word "veil" has often been used metaphorically to refer to obscurity or ambiguity, as in the phrase "behind the veil" to describe an enigmatic or mysterious quality. It has also been used to describe the veil of illusion that separates the physical world from the spiritual or mystical realm beyond. Overall, the word "veil" has come to represent a wide range of concepts, from the practical to the transcendent, and continues to be a rich part of the English language.