THAT BEATS COCK FIGHTING, phr. (common).—A general expression of approval—up to the mark; A1. [From the esteem in which the sport was held.]
1659. GAUDEN, The Tears of the Church, p. 228. Ministers scufflings and contests with one another, is BEYOND ANY COCK-FIGHTING or Bear-baiting to the vulgar envy, malice, profanenesse and petulancy.
1884. W. C. RUSSELL, Jack’s Courtship, ch. vi. ‘Well, roast me!’ cried he, viewing me with a kind of admiration; ‘if this don’t BEAT COCK FIGHTING.’
