petcock

P3E1T1C3O1C3K5
UK/ˈpɛtkɒk/

noun

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

RareFirst used 19th c.Scrabble 17
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Meanings

nounpetcock (plural petcocks)

plural petcocks

  1. A small valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid.First known use 19th c.

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

    2010, International Fire Service Training Association, Essesntials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 5th Edition, p. 780
    1 more example

    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.

    1929, Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, Folio Society, published 2008, page 297

Origin

Apparently from pet + cock, because of its size.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Bulgarian кран за източване
  • кран за източване (kran za iztočvane)small valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
German Benzinhahn, Ablaufhahn
  • Benzinhahnsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Ablaufhahnsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Ablasshahnsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Entlüftungshahnsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Entlüftungsventilsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Kühlerablasshahnsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Spülstutzensmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
  • Entlastungsventilsmall valve, spout, or faucet operated by hand, usually used to release pressure or drain fluid
Cite this entry
APA

petcock. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/petcock

MLA

“petcock.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/petcock. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “petcock,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/petcock.

Source: petcock on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.