Cockle, n. [OE. cockes cockles, AS. s sea cockles, prob, from Celtic; cf. W. cocs cockles, Gael. cochull husk. Perh. influenced by F. coquille shell, a dim. from the root of E. conch. Cf. Coach.].

A bivalve mollusk, with radiating ribs, of the genus Cardium, especially Cardium edule, used in Europe for food; -- sometimes applied to similar shells of other genera. [1913 Webster]

A cockleshell. [1913 Webster]

The mineral black tourmaline or schorl; -- so called by the Cornish miners. Raymond. [1913 Webster]

The fire chamber of a furnace. Knight. [1913 Webster]

A hop-drying kiln; an oast. Knight. [1913 Webster]

The dome of a heating furnace. Knight. [1913 Webster]

Cockle hat, a hat ornamented with a cockleshell, the badge of a pilgrim. Shak. -- Cockle stairs, winding or spiral stairs.

Cockle, v. t. [Of uncertian origin.].

To cause to contract into wrinkles or ridges, as some kinds of cloth after a wetting. [1913 Webster]

Cockling sea, waves dashing against each other with a short and quick motion. Ham. Nav. Encyc.

Cockle, n. [AS. coccel, cocel; cf. Gael. cogall tares, husks, cockle.].

A plant or weed that grows among grain; the corn rose (Luchnis Githage). [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

Cockle, n.
1 a any edible mollusc of the genus Cardium, having a chubby ribbed bivalve shell. b its shell.
2 (in full cockle-shell) a small shallow boat.

Idiom

warm the cockles of one's heart make one contented; be satisfying.

Cockle, n.
1 any of various plants, esp. the pink-flowered corn-cockle, Agrostemma githago, growing among corn, esp. wheat.
2 a disease of wheat that turns the grains black.

Cockle, v. & n.
--v.
1 intr. pucker, wrinkle.
2 tr. cause to cockle.
--n. a pucker or wrinkle in paper, glass, etc.

Etymology

F coquiller blister (bread in cooking) f. coquille: see COCKLE(1)

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THESAURUS

Cockle
cocker, corrugate, crease, crimp, crimple, crinkle, crumple, dimple, fret, furrow, knit, knot, pucker, purse, ridge, rimple, ripple, ruck, ruckle, rumple, shirr, wimple, wrinkle

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ROGET THESAURUS

Cockle

Endearment
VB caress, fondle, pet, dandle, pat, pat on the head, pat on the cheek, chuck under the chin, smile upon, coax, wheedle, cosset, coddle, cocker, cockle, make of, make much of, cherish, foster, kill with kindness, clasp, hug, cuddle, fold in one's arms, strain in one's arms, nestle, nuzzle, embrace, kiss, buss, smack, blow a kiss, salute, fold to the heart, press to the bosom, bill and coo, spoon, toy, dally, flirt, coquet, gallivant, galavant, philander, make love, pay one's court to, pay one's addresses to, pay one's attentions to, serenade, court, woo, set one's cap at, be sweet upon, look sweet upon, ogle, cast sheep's eyes upon, faire les yeux doux, fall in love with, win the affections, die for, propose, make an offer, have an offer, pop the question, plight one's troth, plight one's faith.

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