[f. LADY sb. 3 (genitive, as in next). Cf. G. Marienkuh.]

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  1.  = LADY-BIRD. (Cf. COW-LADY.)

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1606.  Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. iv. I. Trophies, 274. [Goliath says to David:] O Lady-cow [Fr. Ha petit Damereau!], Thou shalt no more be-star thy wanton brow With thine eyes rayes.

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1630.  Drayton, Muses Eliz., viii. 70. The Lady-Cow: The dainty shell vpon her backe Of Crimson strew’d with spots of blacke.

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1713.  Derham, Phys. Theol., 8, note. Wasps, Bees,… and Lady-Cows.

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1868.  Daily News, 15 Aug., 2/4. The earth for several miles adjoining the river Severn … was thickly covered with insects commonly called ‘lady cows.’

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  2.  nonce-use. A term of mock dignity for a cow.

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1649.  Lovelace, Poems (1864), 63. A rev’rend lady-cow drawes neere.

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