cock-shy

‘Wish I could take a cock-shy at your head!’ he thought irreverently, as his mother came back to her seat beside him.

In Chancery 2004

Yes, in those days a Dook was a Dook and not a cock-shy for demigods [? demagogues].

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, July 22, 1914 Various

But what are you to say of a man who clamours for a saviour of the situation and then turns him into a cock-shy; of a Napoleon who is continually retiring to Elba when things are not going as he likes; of a politician who claims the privileges but refuses the duties of a

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 156, February 19, 1919 Various

Some had the new clean sandbags exposed to full view, thus serving as mere whited sepulchres to their occupants, others were equally conspicuous from their absurd cock-shy appearance, others were not bullet-proof, whilst others again would allow of shooting in one direction, or into the ground at a few yards 'range, or up into the blue sky.

The Defence of Duffer's Drift Ernest Dunlop Swinton 1909

The very Greek language that they loved has become a mere label for snuffy and snobbish dons, and a mere cock-shy for cheap and half-educated utilitarians, who make it a symbol of superstition and reaction.

What I Saw in America 1905

"Makin 'a cock-shy of him," replies the hideous small boy.

Ten Boys from Dickens Kate Dickinson Sweetser 1903

Such was the occupation of the small boy, Deputy, night after night, week after week, month after month, during the year when we catch a glimpse of him, and it is reasonable to suppose that the remainder of his life, after we lose sight of him was spent, in making a cock-shy of everything that came in his way, whether Durdles or inanimate objects.

Ten Boys from Dickens Kate Dickinson Sweetser 1903

'Wish I could take a cock-shy at your head!' he thought irreverently, as his mother came back to her seat beside him.

Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works John Galsworthy 1900

'Wish I could take a cock-shy at your head!' he thought irreverently, as his mother came back to her seat beside him.

The Forsyte Saga, Volume II. Indian Summer of a Forsyte In Chancery John Galsworthy 1900

'Wish I could take a cock-shy at your head!' he thought irreverently, as his mother came back to her seat beside him.

The Forsyte Saga - Complete John Galsworthy 1900