n. [ OF. cov&unr_;e, F. couv&unr_;e, fr. cover, F. couver, to sit or brood on, fr. L. cubare to lie down; cf. E. incubate. See Cubit, and cf. Cove to brood. ] 1. A brood or hatch of birds; an old bird with her brood of young; hence, a small flock or number of birds together; -- said of game; as, a covey of partridges. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A company; a bevy; as, a covey of girls. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To brood; to incubate. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Tortoises ] covey a whole year before they hatch. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A pantry. [ Prov. Eng. ] Parker. [ 1913 Webster ]