Archery. [f. COCK sb.1 attrib. = ‘top, sticking up,’ as in cock-sheaf, etc.] The upper one of the three feathers on an arrow, generally of a different color from the other two, so as to indicate at sight how to place the arrow on the string.
1545. Ascham, Toxoph. (Arb.), 132. It standeth with good reason to haue the cocke fether black or greye, as it were to gyue a man warning to nocke ryght.
1860. H. D., Archer’s Guide, 34. That feather which is placed upon the horn is the cock feather, and generally of a different colour: the other two feathers are placed at an equal distance from it. Place the arrow on the string with the cock feather uppermost.
