dial. [Related to COGGLE v. and to COCKER v.2; probably onomatopœic and immediately associated with coggle, joggle. But in its use, there is also sometimes association with the unsteady equilibrium of a cockle-shell or of a cockle-shell boat on the water. Cf. COCKLY2, and Sc. cockle-cootit, having loose ankle-joints.]
To oscillate unsteadily, as a round stone when stepped on, or a boat when people stand up in it.
1781. J. Hutton, Tour Caves (E. D. S. 1873), Cockle, to be unsteady and easily shaken down.
1869. Lonsdale Gloss.
1876. Holderness Gloss., Cockle, to shake through standing insecurely. ‘It’ll cockle ower.’ (Also in South of Scotl.)
