cockbill

1 definition found

cockbill - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Cockbill \Cock"bill\ (k[o^]k"b[i^]l`), v. t. [See Cock to set
     erect.] (Naut.)
     To tilt up one end of so as to make almost vertical; as, to
     cockbill the yards as a sign of mourning.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     To cockbill the anchor, to suspend it from the cathead
        preparatory to letting it go. See Acockbill.
        [1913 Webster]