Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(carry). The veil (Gen. 24:65; 38:14; Ruth 3:15; Song of Sol. 5:7; Isa. 3:23), was a shawl or mantle. The veil proper was worn by Hebrew women only on special occasions, as in marriage (Gen. 24:65); for ornament (Song of Sol. 4:1,3); for concealment as in harlotry (Gen. 38:14).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
See VAIL.
“39. The Veil” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Genesis 24:65. The servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself.
1. The custom of veiling the face of women, now so common in the East, was not general in the days of the patriarchs, nor for a long time after. The women usually appeared in public with faces exposed. Much of the modern Oriental scrupulousness on this subject is due to Mohammedan influence, the Koran forbidding women to appear unveiled except in the presence only of their nearest relatives. No representations of veils are found on either the Assyrian or the Egyptian monuments; yet the Egyptians, as well as the Hebrews, did use the veil on special occasions. Wilkinson says, that the ancient Egyptian veil was not so thick as the boorko of modern Egypt; but was thin enough to be seen through, like that of the Wahabees. The veiling of the bride before coming into the presence of the bridegroom is a very ancient custom, indicating modesty, and subjection to the husband.
It is claimed by some, however, that the tsaiph—both here and in Genesis 38:14, rendered “veil”—was not properly a veil, but rather a large wrapper which was worn out of doors; a light summer dress, of handsome appearance and of ample dimensions, so that it might be thrown over the head at pleasure. Thus, when she saw Isaac, Rebekah slipped the upper part of her loose flowing robe over her head, thereby concealing her face from her expectant lover.
“246. The Veil” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Ruth 3:15. Also he said, Bring the veil that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her.
Mitpachath, veil, is called mantle in Isaiah 3:22, and some lexicographers assert that this is its meaning; that it does not signify what is commonly understood by a veil, but simply a large outer mantle or cloak, in one corner of which Ruth received the barley. Others, however, and among them Dr. Kitto, insist that a veil is meant; one made of strong cotton cloth and used for outdoor wear.
The engraving represents a large veil, or mantle, which is worn by Egyptian women at the present day. It is called milayeh.
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