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: 1866-1936
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COCKIE-BENDIE, -bendy, Cockybendie, Cock-a-bendy(ie), n. comb.1 [′kɔkə′bɛndi]
1. A small, bumptious or somewhat effeminate man; also applied affectionately to a small boy (Bnff.2, Abd.9, Slg.3, Lnl.1 1936); “a sprightly boy” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.2, cock-a-bendy).Edb. 1882 (3rd ed.) J. Smith Canty Jock, etc. 87:
Now this minister was a wee, fat, dumpy cockiebendy.Edb. 1930 (per Edb.2):
Cockie-Bendie's lyin' seek, Guess ye what'll mend him? Twenty kisses in a clout, Lassie, will ye send 'em?Arg. 1936 Rhyme (per Arg.2):
Cock-a-bendie and his wife, O' but they were canty.
2. Applied to a woman in a derogatory sense.Edb. 1866 J. Smith Poems 16:
Rise, cockybendies! gabblin luckies! Rise, swankies gay, wi' a' yer duckies!Edb.2 1930:
What a lot o' cockybendies Solomon had!
