1. (Zoöl.) A bivalve mollusk, with radiating ribs, of the genus Cardium, especially C. edule, used in Europe for food; -- sometimes applied to similar shells of other genera.
The fourth commandment is disregarded on all sides; from the prince who has his fish on the Sunday from the fishmonger down to the costermonger who sells cockles in the street, all nominal Christians forget and disobey this command;
Annie Besant. My Path to Atheism (1885)
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How should I your true-love know
From another one?
By his cockle hat* and' staff
And his sandal shoon.
William Shakespeare. Hamlet
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My cockle hat* and staff and hismy sandal shoon.
James Joyce. Ulysses
*cockle hat: a hat ornamented with a cockleshell, the badge of a pilgrim.