cockling

From cockle +‎ -ing.

cockling

1. present participle and gerund of cockle

From cock +‎ -ling.

cockling (plural cocklings)

1. A young, small, or immature cock.
   • 1725, Sir Philip Sidney, The works of the Honourable Sir Philip Sidney:

     These cocklings cocker'd we bewail too late, When that we see our off-spring gaily bent, Women manwood, and men effeminate.

   • 1858, The Knickerbocker: or, New-York monthly magazine, volume 54, page 521:

     Take warning in time, cocklings; look sharp — but not in this direction, if you please.'

   • 1920, The Pennsylvania magazine of history and biography, volume 44, page 74:

     'That ere our pretty Cocklings learn to crow, To pamper Lust they must to Market go?

• clocking