If the cock moult before the hen, We shall have weather thick and thin; But if the hen moult before the cock, We shall have weather hard as a block.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

The saying predicts different weather from whether the cock or hen moults first. The order of two animal changes is made a sign of variable or harsh conditions.

What the words are saying

Thick and thin contrasts with hard as a block, giving the two possible orders different outcomes. The explanation identifies that structure without verifying either relationship or defining a forecast for a particular year. A careful reading asks how the named sign is being used and avoids treating an animal observation as sufficient evidence for the promised weather.

Everyday example

A reader compares the two conditional predictions without using the birds’ order of moulting to plan an outdoor task.

When to use it

Use it to examine an animal-based weather sign as folklore.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.