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1

cock

noun \ ˈkäk \

Definition of cock

1 a : the adult male of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) : rooster
b : the male of birds other than the domestic chicken
c : woodcock
d archaic : the crowing of a cock; also : cockcrow
e : weathercock
2 : a device (such as a faucet or valve) for regulating the flow of a liquid
  • the cock of an automobile radiator
3 a : a chief person : leader
b : a person of spirit and often of a certain swagger or arrogance
4 a : the hammer in the lock of a firearm
b : the cocked position of the hammer
5 usually vulgar : penis
— cock of the walk
: one that dominates a group or situation especially overbearingly
  • He was strutting around like the cock of the walk after he got a promotion.

Origin and Etymology of cock

Middle English cok, from Old English cocc, of imitative origin

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

2

cock

verb

Definition of cock

intransitive verb
1 : strut, swagger
  • did a lot of bragging and cocking after winning the game
2 : to turn, tip, or stick up
  • a horse's tail cocking almost straight up
3 : to position the hammer (see 1hammer 2b(2)) of a firearm for firing
transitive verb
1 a : to draw the hammer of (a firearm) back and set for firing; also : to set (the trigger) for firing
b : to draw or bend back in preparation for throwing or hitting
  • a quarterback cocking his arm
  • cock a bat
c : to set (a mechanism, such as a camera shutter) for tripping (see 1trip transitive 3)
2 a : to set erect
  • a dog with one ear cocked
b : to turn, tip, or tilt usually to one side
  • cock one's head
3 : to turn up (something, such as a hat brim)
— cock a snook or less commonly cock snooks
: to thumb one's nose
  • cocking a snook at the establishment

Origin and Etymology of cock

see 1cock

First Known Use: 1575

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

3

cock

noun

Definition of cock

: tilt, slant
  • cock of the head
  • the jaunty cock of his hat
4

cock

noun

Definition of cock

: a small pile (as of hay)

Origin and Etymology of cock

Middle English cok; akin to German dialect Kocke pile

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

5

cock

verb

Definition of cock

cocked; cocking; cocks
transitive verb
: to put (hay or something similar) into small piles

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

Phrases Related to COCK

Related Phrases

COCK Defined for Kids

1

cock

noun \ ˈkäk \

Definition of cock for Students

1 : a male bird : rooster
2 : a faucet or valve for controlling the flow of a liquid or a gas
2

cock

verb

Definition of cock for Students

cocked; cocking
1 : to turn or tip upward or to one side
  • The puppy cocked her head when she heard your voice.
2 : to set or draw back in readiness for some action
  • Watch how I cock my arm to throw.
3 : to draw back the hammer of (a gun) in readiness for firing
3

cock

noun

Definition of cock for Students

: the act of tipping or turning at an angle : tilt
  • a cock of the head

Learn More about cock

  1. See words that rhyme with cock Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cock Spanish Central: Translation of cock Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cock

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