The part of a nun's headdress that frames the face and falls over the shoulders.
Good point. I don't think of Catholicism when I hear the word "veil".
Nuns that I know do not use this term. Though I admit that I only know one young nun, most that I know are older. Possibly it's a trend among these younger women entering the religious life.
Last year I met a fairly young Dominican (from Nashville). She used the word "habit". She also mentione that the sisters in her order also enjoyed a good round of rugby. I kid you not. I asked her to please send me a photo of the "scrumming nuns", but I think she forgot.
Yes, TROP uses the term as well. Looking at the sisters playing volleyball, and considering some of the young sisters of my acquaintance, I am struck that while islamic garb and nuns' habits are grossly similar in appearance, they are on second glance very different. One is symbolic of oppression, the other of service. The one is accompanied by fear, the other by joy.
There was an article posted yesterday by some slightly leftist lady columnist. She tried wearing abaya out of "solidarity" with her "muslim sisters" ... she quickly found out that just wearing the thing wasn't enough ... she also had to act like a scared little rabbit.