What does vele mean?
Vele is a chiefly Scottish noun meaning a veil, especially a cloth covering worn over the head or face. It can also refer more generally to something that conceals a person or object, as in a veil of mist or a veil of secrecy. The word is pronounced like the English word veal and belongs to the same word family as the more familiar veil, although vele is more regional and less common in contemporary English. In Scottish writing and speech, it can provide a traditional alternative to veil, while its figurative uses are readily understood by speakers of standard English. It is especially associated with bridal and ceremonial coverings, but it is not limited to that context. Because the standard English form veil is much more widespread, vele is now likely to be encountered mainly in Scottish literature, dialect writing, and quotation rather than in everyday general usage.
nounA veil or covering, especially a piece of fabric worn over the head or face.
- A veil or covering, especially a piece of fabric worn over the head or face.
"The bride lowered her vele as she entered the church."
"A white vele framed her face."
"The mountain was partly hidden by a vele of cloud."
The plural is possible but uncommon in modern use.
"The old woman folded the veles and returned them to their box."
Vele is the traditional Scottish word for a veil—useful for adding regional character without obscuring the meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vele
Vele is a chiefly Scottish form of veil, developed within varieties of Scots from the same Middle English and older French word. Its cognate veil remained the standard form in English, while vele became especially characteristic of Scottish usage. The word ultimately derives through Old French veil from Latin vela, a term associated with a covering or sail-like cloth.
How vele is actually used
Chiefly Scottish and now uncommon in general English. In figurative use, a veil of cloud or secrecy follows the familiar English sense of a concealing covering.
Easily confused with vele
Vele is a chiefly Scottish word for a veil, whereas the standard English noun is veil.
Vele is pronounced like the English word veal and means a veil, while veer means to turn or change direction.