COBOL (ko´· bôl), n.

  1. Computers. a programming language particularly suited for writing programs to process large files of data, using a vocabulary of common English words, phrases, and sentences. [1955-60; co(mmon) b(usiness)-o(riented) l(anguage)]
  2. Canine. Man's best friend (also dumb and unstructured, just like the language, but more lovable). [1986-1997]