Hypertext Webster Gateway: "cocoon"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Cocoon \Co*coon"\, n. [F. cocon, dim. of coque shell of egge and
insects, fr. L. concha mussel shell. See {Conch}.]
1. An oblong case in which the silkworm lies in its chrysalis
state. It is formed of threads of silk spun by the worm
just before leaving the larval state. From these the silk
of commerce is prepared.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The case constructed by any insect to contain its
larva or pupa.
(b) The case of silk made by spiders to protect their
eggs.
(c) The egg cases of mucus, etc., made by leeches and
other worms.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
cocoon
n : silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect
pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
v : wrap in or as if in a cocoon
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