Cockcrow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cockcrow
[ˈkɒk.kroʊ ]
Definition
time of day
Cockcrow refers to the time of day when cocks crow, typically at dawn. This term is often associated with the early morning hours just before sunrise. Historically, it has been used to indicate a time of awakening and renewal, as well as the beginning of daily activities. The specific time can vary, but it is generally understood to occur during twilight. The sound of the crowing rooster serves as a natural alarm, signaling the start of a new day.
Synonyms
dawn, daybreak, morning, sunrise.
Examples of usage
- We woke up at cockcrow to start our journey.
- The village was silent until cockcrow broke the stillness.
- Farmers often begin their work at cockcrow.
- The old saying goes, 'At cockcrow, the rooster awakens the day.'
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In the Bible, cockcrow is notably mentioned in the context of Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
- In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' cockcrow symbolizes the end of the night and the return of light, bringing clarity after confusion.
Folklore
- Various cultures associate the sound of roosters at dawn with the driving away of evil spirits or the beginning of new beginnings.
- In some traditions, the first crow of a rooster is considered an omen that can signify various events, good or bad.
Cultural Practices
- In agrarian societies, cockcrow was a natural alarm clock, often marking the start of the day’s activities.
- Certain rituals and festivals are held at cockcrow to invite prosperity and ward off darkness.
Animal Behavior
- Roosters crow at dawn due to their internal circadian rhythms, which can be influenced by light and temperature.
- This vocalization serves to establish territory and attract hens, showcasing natural behaviors in avian species.
Origin of 'cockcrow'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Old English word 'cocc,' meaning rooster, combined with 'crow,' which refers to its call.
- This term has been used since around the 15th century to describe the time associated with the rooster's crow.
The term 'cockcrow' has its origins in Old English, specifically from the words 'cocc' meaning 'rooster' and 'craw' meaning 'to crow.' The usage of 'cock' to denote a male chicken is an ancient tradition, and 'crow' connects to the vocalization made by the rooster. The concept of 'cockcrow' has been used in literature and religious texts for centuries, most notably in the Bible, where it is mentioned as the time Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Over the years, 'cockcrow' has transitioned from a literal reference to the sound made by roosters in the early morning to a more metaphorical expression denoting the onset of day or a time of awakening. Its historical roots can be traced back to various cultures that relied on natural sounds to dictate their daily rhythms and activities.