coxcomb, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

coxcomb n.

[SE coxcomb, a cock’s head; Nares, Glossary (1822), notes: ‘The cap of the licensed fool was often terminated at the top with a cock’s head and comb, and some of the feathers’]

the head.

1577		Misogonus in Farmer (1906) I iv: Your cock’s comb, by my halidom! I’ll brust.
1602		Middleton Blurt, Master Constable C3: frisco: Who the pox knockes? doy: One that will knocke thy coxcomb if he do not enter.
1613		Rowlands ‘A Shee-Swaggerer’ Knave of Hearts 75: Defend your pate, your coxcombe, Ile not spare.
1623		Dekker Wonder of a Kingdom I ii: I’me cut i’ th’ cockscombe.
1628		R. Speed Counter-Rat G2: Strong were our Coxcombs, our legs weake.
1648		R. Herrick ‘The Wake’ Hesperides 309: Neer the dying of the day, / There will be Cudgell-Play, / Where a Coxcomb will be broke.
1658		Mennis & Smith ‘The Shepheards Holy Day’ Fancies and Fantasticks (1817) II 364: [as cit. 1648].
1660		J. Tatham The Rump I i: We told him he was an Old doting fool, and bad him [...] take a Cawdle of Calves Eggs to Comfort his Learned Coxcomb.
1667		J. Lacey Sauny the Scot V i: Sirrah, touch a Horse, and I’ll Curry your Coxcombe for you.
1696		D’Urfey Comical Hist. of Don Quixote Pt III Prologue: Praise a pert Coxcomb’s awkward Shape and Air.
1751		W. Kenrick Falstaff’s Wedding (1766) II iv: What would I give methinks to see him well trounc’d! If it was only for giving me once a bloody coxcomb.