cockshy

[ kok-shahy ]

noun

, British.

, plural cock·shies.

1. the act or sport of throwing missiles at a target.
2. the target itself.

cockshy

/ ˈkɒkˌʃaɪ /

noun

1. a target aimed at in throwing games
2. the throw itself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockshy¹

First recorded in 1785–95; cock ¹ + shy ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockshy¹

C18: from shying (throwing objects at) a cock, which was given as a prize to the person who hit it

Example Sentences

On a day (or once) a Gipsy was playing at cockshy, and he threw a stick through the window of a great house and broke the glass.

From Project Gutenberg

Further, there was the Hyderabad Redoubt, which was a veritable cockshy.

From Project Gutenberg

Russell's Top was another "Apex" and a cockshy for any enemy guns that were within range.

From Project Gutenberg