monk's hood crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "monk's hood" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible solutions, along with their explanations and letter counts, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "monk's hood crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
COWL: A hooded garment or cloak, especially one worn by a monk as part of their habit.
7 Letters
ACONITE: A highly poisonous plant of the buttercup family, known for its showy, helmet-shaped flowers, commonly called monk's hood or wolfsbane.
More About "monk's hood crossword clue"
"Monk's hood" is a fascinating clue in crosswords because it perfectly illustrates how a single phrase can have multiple distinct meanings, leading to different answers. The most common interpretation refers to ACONITE, a beautiful yet extremely toxic plant. Its flowers genuinely resemble the hood of a monk's robe, which gives it its evocative common name. This plant is a popular garden perennial but must be handled with extreme care due to its potent toxins.
The alternative answer, COWL, points to the actual garment itself. Monks throughout history have worn cowls as a practical and symbolic part of their monastic habit. This duality makes "monk's hood" a clever clue, requiring solvers to consider both botanical knowledge and general vocabulary, often with the letter count being the deciding factor.
Understanding these double meanings is key to mastering crossword puzzles. By providing both the botanical and garment-related answers, we aim to cover all possibilities for this intriguing clue, ensuring you have the solution you need, regardless of the puzzle's specific context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. For "monk's hood," this immediately helps you narrow down to ACONITE (7 letters) or COWL (4 letters).
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many crossword clues, like "monk's hood," are designed to have double meanings. Always think about puns, homophones, or alternative definitions.
- Look at Surrounding Clues: The theme of the puzzle or other solved words in the grid can often provide context. If other clues are plant-related, ACONITE is more likely. If they relate to religion or clothing, COWL might fit better.
- Use Cross-References: Don't be afraid to leave a tricky clue and come back to it. Solving intersecting words often provides crucial letters that reveal the answer you were stuck on.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary meaning of 'monk's hood' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'monk's hood' most commonly refers to ACONITE, a highly poisonous flowering plant known for its hooded blossoms. However, depending on the letter count and surrounding clues, it can also refer to a COWL, which is a hooded garment worn by a monk.
How can I determine if the answer is ACONITE or COWL?
The number of letters is the primary differentiator: ACONITE has 7 letters, while COWL has 4. Also, consider the theme of the puzzle or any other related clues in the grid. If the puzzle has a botanical theme, ACONITE is more likely; if it relates to religious attire or monastic life, COWL could be the fit.
Is 'monk's hood' used in other contexts besides crosswords?
Yes, 'monk's hood' is the common name for the Aconitum genus of plants due to the shape of their flowers. It's widely recognized in horticulture and toxicology due to the plant's extreme toxicity. The term 'monk's hood' can also colloquially refer to the cowl garment in discussions of monastic clothing.