Definition of "covess"

Shuter prevailed on him to step into one of these houses, just to see a little fun, as he called it, at the same time, assuring the doctor, that no harm might be apprehended, as he was well acquainted with the cove and covess, that is, the landlord and landlady.

1789, George Parker, Life's Painter of Variegated Characters in Public and Private Life‎, 2nd edition, published 1800, page 153

Ah, Bess, my covess, strike me blind if my sees don't tout your bingo muns in spite of the darkmans. Egad, you carry a bene blink aloft. Come to the ken alone—no! my blowen; did not I tell you I should bring a pater cove, to chop up the whiners for Dawson?

1828, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Pelham: or The Adventures of a Gentleman‎, page 383