coffer
noun
- each one of the concave spaces, usually with moldings and a ceiling in the center, of a coffered ceiling or ceiling.
- strong chest or box used for keeping money or valuables safe
- small type of chest for storing valuables, sometimes serving as a seat or table
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒfə/ / /ˈkɔfɚ/ / /ˈkɑfɚ/
name
- A surname.
noun
Etymology: From Middle English cofre, coffre, from Old French cofre, coffre, from Latin cophinus (“basket”), from Ancient Greek κόφινος (kóphinos, “basket”). Doublet of coffin. Cognate with German Koffer (“a suitcase”).
- A strong chest or box used for keeping money or valuables safe.
“"There is nothing in that," said Guido, "but a genealogy of the Carraras, drawn up by my grandfather. We have kept this little ebony coffer for the sake of its curious carving. The marriage of Cana is beautifully wrought on its lid."”
- An ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome.
“Prolapsed and waterstained ceiling, the sagging coffers.”
- A temporary watertight structure used during underwater construction of bridges, causeways, ships, etc.
- A supply or store of money, often belonging to an organization.
“c. 1610–1620 (written), 1661 (first published), Francis Bacon, Letter of Advice to the Duke of Buckingham He would discharge it without any great burden to the queen's coffers.”
“Hold, there is half my coffer.”
- A trench dug in the bottom of a dry moat, and extending across it, to enable the besieged to defend it with raking fire.
verb
Etymology: From Middle English cofre, coffre, from Old French cofre, coffre, from Latin cophinus (“basket”), from Ancient Greek κόφινος (kóphinos, “basket”). Doublet of coffin. Cognate with German Koffer (“a suitcase”).
- To put money or valuables in a coffer
- To decorate something, especially a ceiling, with coffers.