Etymology

petcock

P3E1T1C3O1C3K5

Today it means: A small valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid. Full definition →

First used 19th c.
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The story

Apparently from pet + cock, because of its size.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. A small valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.