n. 1 a any edible mollusc of the genus Cardium, having a chubby ribbed bivalve shell. b its shell. 2 (in full cockle-shell) a small shallow boat. warm the cockles of one's heart make one contented; be satisfying.
[ ME f. OF coquille shell ult. f. Gk kogkhulion f. kogkhe CONCH ]