Cove

or COVEY , a boy or man of any age or station. A term generally preceded by an expre ive adjective, thus a “flash COVE ,” a “rum COVE ,” a “downy COVE ,” . The feminine, COVESS , was once popular, but it has fallen into disuse. Originally ancient cant (temp. Henry VII.), COFE , or CUFFIN , altered in Decker’s time to COVE . See Witts’ Recreations , 1654: “there’s a gentry- COVE here,” i.e. , a gentleman. Probably connected with CUIF , which, in the North of England, signifies a lout or awkward fellow. Amongst Negroes, CUFFEE .