Cov"ey (k?v"?), n. [OF. cove, F. couve, 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.
2.
A company; a bevy; as, a covey of girls.
Addison.
© Webster 1913.
Cov"ey, v. i.
To brood; to incubate.
[Obs.]
[Tortoises] covey a whole year before they hatch.
Holland.
© Webster 1913.
Cov"ey, n.
A pantry.
[Prov. Eng.]
Parker.
© Webster 1913.