† 1. Lecherous. Obs.
1549. Thomas, Hist. Italie, 127 b. He was not cockie enough to satisfie hir appetite.
2. ‘Vain, affecting airs of importance’ (Jam.); conceited; arrogantly pert. colloq. (Cf. COCKSY.)
1768. Ross, Helenore, 150 (Jam.). And now I think I may be cocky, Since fortune has smurtled on me.
1846. J. B. Morris, Lett., in M. Pattison, Memoirs, 222. People say that converts are ‘cocky.’
1858. R. S. Surtees, Ask Mamma, xxv. 95. Now this might have been all very well, at least bearable, if the cockey Major had had plenty of money to give them.
1863. Kingsley, Water-bab., iii. He looked the cockiest little man of all little men.
