\Cock"bill\ (k[o^]k"b[i^]l`), v. t. [See {Cock} to set
erect.] (Naut.)
To tilt up one end of so as to make almost vertical; as, to
cockbill the yards as a sign of mourning.
{To cockbill the anchor}, to suspend it from the cathead
   preparatory to letting it go. See {Acockbill}.