subs. phr. (pugilists’).—A pugilist.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v. MILLING COVE. How the MILLING COVE served the cull out; how the boxer beat the fellow.
1819. J. H. VAUX, Memoirs, s.v.
1834. W. H. AINSWORTH, Rookwood, p. 250 (ed. 1864). Zoroaster, who was not merely a worshipper of fire, but a thorough MILLING-COVE, had engaged to some purpose in a pugilistic encounter with the rustics.
