petcock

English

Etymology

Apparently from pet +‎ cock, because of its size.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɛtkɒk/

Noun

petcock (plural petcocks)

1. A small valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid. [from 19th c.]
   • 1929, Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, Folio Society, published 2008, page 297:

     The doctor placed the rubber mask over her face and turned a dial and I watched Catherine breathing deeply and rapidly. Then she pushed the mask away. The doctor shut off the petcock.

   • 2010, International Fire Service Training Association, Essesntials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 5th Edition, p. 780:

     The shutoff valve (petcock) is usually located on the gas pipe on the supply side of the meter.

Hypernyms

• cock

Coordinate terms

• bibcock, seacock, sillcock, stopcock

Translations

small valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid

• Bulgarian: кран за източване (kran za iztočvane)
• German: Benzinhahn m, Ablaufhahn m, Ablasshahn (de) m, Entlüftungshahn m, Entlüftungsventil n, Kühlerablasshahn m, Spülstutzen m, Entlastungsventil n