Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†COCKED, adj.
1. Fertile (of eggs). Also used fig.Bwk. 1863 A. Leighton in Border Mag. 100:
“Ay, you have now your hand on the cocked egg,” replied she. . . . “The other was a wind ane.”Gall. 1796 J. Lauderdale Poems 87:
The Jeans, an' Megs . . . Did spring out o' the cocked eggs, O' Eve, by Adam.
2. Fig. in comb. cocked egg (see quot.).Sc. 1896 A. Cheviot Proverbs 4:
A cocked egg, i.e. the main point. Something of importance.
