Naut. Having the bills or tapering ends cocked or pointing upwards. Said of the anchor when it hangs from the cathead ready for dropping, and also of the yards of a vessel, when they are placed at an angle with the deck.
1708. Sea Dict., s.v. Anchor, The Anchor is a Cock-bell, when the Anchor hangs up and down by the Ship’s Side.
1833. Pen. Cycl., I. 507/1. An anchor is said … to be a ‘cock-bill,’ when hanging vertically.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., 198. To put the yards a-cock-bill is to top them up by one lift to an angle with the deck. A sign of mourning.
