Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. sexually aggressive.

1606

J. Day Ile of Guls V i: What, mistres Amason, ha you such a cocking spirit, honest Women cannot keepe their husbands at home for you?

2. impudent, cheeky.

1676		Wycherley Plain-Dealer V i: How many pert Cocking Cowards [hast thou call’d] stout?
1711		Spectator No. 153 n.p.: But the cocking young fellow who treads upon the toes of his elders, and the old fool who envies the saucy pride he sees in him, are the objects of our present contempt and derision [F&H].