The term COB MATE is composed of six words: PEN, COS, MALE, SHE, SWAN, and EAR. PEN is a three letter word meaning a writing instrument, COS is a three letter word meaning a friend or companion, MALE is a four letter word meaning a man or boy, SHE is a three letter word meaning a female, SWAN is a four letter word meaning a large water bird, and EAR is a three letter word meaning the organ of hearing. Together, these words form the phrase 'cob mate, ' which is an old English term for a close friend or companion.