local. Also caw. [f. prec. sb.: see COTHE v.] trans. To give (sheep) the coe or rot. Hence Coed (coad, caud, cawed), ppl. a., diseased.
1746. Exmoor Scolding (E. D. S.), 40. A wud ha’ had a coad, riggelting, parbeaking, piping Body in tha! Gloss., Coad, or Caud, unhealthy, consumptive, or cored like a rotten sheep.
1879. Chard & Ilminster News, 25 Jan. How long will it take to coe a sheep?… one night.
1884. Blackw. Mag., Nov., 636/2. Cawed mutton.
1888. Elworthy, W. Somerset Word-bk., Wet pastures are said to coe the sheep.
Coe, variant of CO, Obs. jackdaw.
