Lewis & Short

invŏlūcrum, i, n. [involvo], that in which something is wrapped, a wrapper, covering, case, envelope (class.).

  1. I. Lit.: candelabri, Cic. Verr. 2, 4, 28, § 65: clipei causa involucrum, vaginam autem gladii … esse generata, id. N. D. 2, 14, 37: chartarum, Plin. 13, 12, 23, § 76: solvere, Dig. 47, 2, 21.
    1. B. Esp., a napkin or cloth to protect the clothing while shaving: ne id quidem involucri inicere voluit, vestem ut ne inquinet, Plaut. Capt. 2, 2, 17.
  2. II. Trop.: (ingenii), Cic. de Or. 1, 35, 161: simulationum, cover, mask, id. Q. Fr. 1, 1, 5, § 15.