subs. (old).—1. A common prostitute; also a mistress or ‘keep.’ [Nares says ‘probably from the fascination of the eye,’ alluding to the fabulous monster hatched from a cock’s egg by a serpent. Shakespeare speaks of ‘the death-dealing’ eye of a COCKATRICE.] For synonyms, see BARRACK-HACK and TART.
1600. JONSON, Cynthia’s Revels, IV., 4. And withall, calls me at his pleasure I know not how many COCKATRICES and things.
1604. MARSTON and WEBSTER, The Malcontent (DODSLEY, Old Plays, iv., 93). No courtier but has his mistress, no captain but has his COCKATRICE.
1630. TAYLOR (‘The Water Poet’), Workes [quoted by NARES].
| And amongst Souldiers, this sweet piece of Vice | |
| Is counted for a Captaines COCKATRICE. |
1633. MARMION, A Fine Companion, iv. 1.
| Cap. Some wine there, | |
| That I may court my COCKATRICE. | |
| Care. Good Captaine, | |
| Bid our noble friend welcome. |
1740. Poor Robin. Some gallants will this month be so penurious that they will not part with a crack’d groat to a poor body, but on their COCKATRICE or punquetto will bestow half a dozen taffety gowns, who in requital bestows on him the French pox.
2. (common).—A baby.
