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Cock-fighting

was introduced into Britain by the Romans. It was a favourite sport both with the Greeks and with the Romans.

That beats cock-fighting. That is most improbable and extraordinary. The allusion is to the extravagant tales told of fighting-cocks.

“He can only relieve his feelings by the … frequent repetition, ‘Well, that beats cock-fighting!ʹ”—Whyte-Melville.

To live like fighting-cocks. To live in luxury. Before game-cocks are pitted they are fed plentifully on the very best food.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Cock and Bull Story
Cock and Pie (By)
Cock of Hay (A)
Cock of the North
Cock of the Walk
Cock-a-hoop
Cock apace
Cockboat
Cock-crow
Cock-eye
Cock-fighting
Cock-horse
Cock Lane Ghost
Cock-pit
Cock Sure
Cock the Ears (To)
Cock the Nose
Cock up your Head [foot, etc.]
Cock your Eye (To)
Cock your Hat (To)
Cockade