adjective
- (of a ship's yard or boom) tilted or hoisted at an angle, typically with one end higher than the other.
Usage: nautical; chiefly historical
Examples
- The ship's main yard was cockbilled as a sign of mourning.
- Sailors cockbilled the yards in a ceremonial display.
- The boom remained cockbilled throughout the harbor inspection.
- A cockbilled yard was a traditional maritime signal of distress or respect.