Definition of mantle

• n. - A loose garment to be worn over other garments; an enveloping robe; a cloak. Hence, figuratively, a covering or concealing envelope.
• n. - Same as Mantling.
• n. - The external fold, or folds, of the soft, exterior membrane of the body of a mollusk. It usually forms a cavity inclosing the gills. See Illusts. of Buccinum, and Byssus.
• n. - Any free, outer membrane.
• n. - The back of a bird together with the folded wings.
• n. - A mantel. See Mantel.
• n. - The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace, above the hearth.
• n. - A penstock for a water wheel.
• v. t. - To cover or envelop, as with a mantle; to cloak; to hide; to disguise.
• v. i. - To unfold and spread out the wings, like a mantle; -- said of hawks. Also used figuratively.
• v. i. - To spread out; -- said of wings.
• v. i. - To spread over the surface as a covering; to overspread; as, the scum mantled on the pool.
• v. i. - To gather, assume, or take on, a covering, as froth, scum, etc.