Dictionary

1cock

noun \ˈkäk\

Definition of COCK

1
a :  the adult male of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus)
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 (as a faucet or valve) for regulating the flow of a liquid
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

Origin of COCK

Middle English cok, from Old English cocc, of imitative origin
First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Birds Terms

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

2cock

verb

Definition of COCK

intransitive verb
1
:  strut, swagger
2
:  to turn, tip, or stick up
3
:  to position the hammer 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 (as a camera shutter) for tripping
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 (as a hat brim)
cock a snook also cock snooks
:  to thumb one's nose <cocking a snook at the establishment>

First Known Use of COCK

1575

3cock

noun

Definition of COCK

:  tilt, slant <cock of the head>

First Known Use of COCK

1717

4cock

noun

Definition of COCK

:  a small pile (as of hay)

Origin of COCK

Middle English cok; akin to German dialect Kocke pile
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

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

5cock

verb

Definition of COCK

transitive verb
:  to put (as hay) into cocks

First Known Use of COCK

14th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall
COCK Defined for Kids

1cock

noun \ˈkäk\

Definition of COCK for Kids

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

2cock

verb
cockedcock·ing

Definition of COCK for Kids

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

3cock

noun

Definition of COCK for Kids

:  the act of tipping or turning at an angle :  tilt <a cock of the head>
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears