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.
Quotation dates: 1796, 1863-1896
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†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.
