*nacell*

n. [ F. ] 1. A small boat. [ Obs. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. The basket suspended from a balloon; hence, the framework forming the body of a dirigible balloon, and containing the machinery, passengers, etc. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

3. A streamlined enclosure on an airplane, as for the engine or for the cargo or passengers; -- formerly used to refer to the boatlike, inclosed body of an airplane which is usually now called the fuselage, and now referring mostly to the enclosure for the engine. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]