subs. (old).—The head. [A COCK-LOFT is properly a small loft, garret, or apartment at the top of a house. Cf., GARRET, UPPER STOREY, etc.] An old proverb runs, ‘All his gear is in his COCK-LOFT’; i.e., ‘all his wealth, work, or worth is in his head.’ For synonyms, see CRUMPET.
1642. FULLER, The Holy State and the Prophane State, And. Ad. fen. 1. Often the COCKLOFT is empty in those whom nature hath built many stories high.
