coffer

== English == === Alternative forms === copher (obsolete) cophre (obsolete) === 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”). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈkɒfə/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈkɔfɚ/ (cot–caught merger) IPA(key): /ˈkɑfɚ/ Homophones: cougher Rhymes: -ɒfə(ɹ) === Noun === coffer (plural coffers) A strong chest or box used for keeping money or valuables safe. Synonym: strongbox (architecture) An ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome. Synonym: caisson A temporary watertight structure used during underwater construction of bridges, causeways, ships, etc. Synonyms: cofferdam, caisson (cofferdam sense) Coordinate term: caisson (permanent-structure sense) A supply or store of money, often belonging to an organization. Coordinate terms: vault, pocketbook, pocket, wallet 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. A trench dug in the bottom of a dry moat, and extending across it, to enable the besieged to defend it with raking fire. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === coffer (third-person singular simple present coffers, present participle coffering, simple past and past participle coffered) (transitive) To put money or valuables in a coffer. (transitive) To decorate something, especially a ceiling, with coffers. (transitive) To panel, frame, or border with a raised protective trim. === Further reading === coffer on Wikipedia.Wikipedia “coffer”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC. William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin Eli Smith, editors (1895–1910), “coffer”, in The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC. “coffer”, in OneLook Dictionary Search. == Middle English == === Noun === coffer alternative form of cofre