Cowl-light

Hello, I was just wondering whether any one else might have encountered the word "cowl-light", and if so, if you might know what its meaning and origin are.

Thanks in advance for any help.

How was the phrase used? Googling the phrase produces references to auto parts. Merriam-Webster Online says a "cowl" is "the top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board."

Thanks. I don't remember the exact context, but I think it had some thing to do with a police car.

I'm pretty sure that you can cowl a lantern, so that it only illuminates a small area of what is directly in front of it, and also so that its light may only be seen if viewed directly from the front. I have some memory of cowled lanterns being favoured by burglars of a long bygone age.