Cock throwing, also known as cock-shying or throwing at cocks, was a blood sport widely practised in England until the late 18th century. A rooster was tied to a post, and people took turns throwing weighted sticks called "coksteles" at the bird until it died. Cock throwing was traditionally associated with Shrove Tuesday. In 1737, a contributor to The Gentleman's Magazine argued that cock throwing arose from anti-French sentiment in England, as the cock played an emblematic role in the culture of France.