local. [Phonetic variant of COWL sb.1] = COWL sb.1 4.
1736. Pegge, Kenticisms (E. D. S.), Cow, the wooden thing put over the chimney of a hop-host or malt-house, which turns with the wind, and prevents smoking; it means cowl.
1837. Dickens, Pickw., vii. Who could continue to exist, where there are no cows but the cows on the chimney-pots?
1880. W. Cornwall Gloss., Cow, a windlass, at top shaped like a cowl, for supplying mines with air.
Cow sb.6 obs. form of CHOUGH.
