n. [ F. cocon, dim. of coque shell of egge and insects, fr. L. concha mussel shell. See Conch. ] 1. An oblong case in which the silkworm lies in its chrysalis state. It is formed of threads of silk spun by the worm just before leaving the larval state. From these the silk of commerce is prepared. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) (a) The case constructed by any insect to contain its larva or pupa. (b) The case of silk made by spiders to protect their eggs. (c) The egg cases of mucus, etc., made by leeches and other worms. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A building or apartment for silkworms, when feeding and forming cocoons. [ 1913 Webster ]