Obs. [Evidently related in derivation to the synonymous COCKER v.1, and COCKLE v.3 So far as the form goes, it might be the primitive of which these are diminutive and iterative derivatives; but being known in only one writer, it may be shortened from cocker.] trans. To cocker, pamper, indulge. Hence Cocking vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1573. Tusser, Husb. (1878), 183. Some cockneies with cocking are made verie fooles, fit neither for prentise, for plough, nor for schooles. Ibid., 186. Yet cocking Mams, and shifting Dads from schooles, Make pregnant wits to prooue vnlearned fooles. Ibid., 214. Where cocking Dads make sawsie lads, In youth so rage, to beg in age.
