A male swan; or a large rounded lump of something (especially coal); or a salad with mixed ingredients arranged on top.
Origins unclear—possibly from Old English or Germanic roots. First appeared in Middle English meaning a leader or chief, then a sturdy horse, then a male swan (likely from association with strength and roundness).
The 'Cobb salad' (chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, lettuce) became famous in 1920s Hollywood and kept the restaurant name, while 'cob' the swan just means the strong male—the word kept shape-shifting through history!
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