cock matchn.
/ˈkɒk matʃ/, U.S. /ˈkɑk ˌmætʃ/ Now historical.
A cockfighting match; a cockfight.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting or baiting animals > fighting between animals > [noun] > cock-fighting
cockfightingc1450
cockfight1512
cockingc1613
cocking matcha1619
cock match1654
alectryomachy1656
sparring1686
main1760
sod1814
alectoromachyc1820
spar1850
cock watch1879
1654 (title) An ordinance prohibiting cock-matches.
1763 B. Martin Nat. Hist. Eng. II. 385 Cock-matches are the frequent Diversion of the Island [of Anglesey].
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. vii. 122 On Monday there's a cock-match at Winchester..between the gentlemen of Sussex and the gentlemen of Hampshire.
1978 Financial Times 9 Sept. 11/7 By the Regency, cricket had become a not always very reputable wagering game, much on a level with prize fighting and cock matches.
2013 J. Stubley 60 Spooky, Strange & Surprising Stories about Abingdon viii. §55. 98 Dog fights, bear baiting and cock matches were popular pastimes, which would not be tolerated today.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1654