What does "cockpit" mean?

Cockpit: The Privy Council room at Westminster; -- so called because built on the site of the cockpit of Whitehall palace. Brande & C.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Naut.) (a) That part of a war vessel appropriated to the wounded during an engagement. (b) In yachts and other small vessels, a space lower than the rest of the deck, which affords easy access to the cabin.

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