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coffers - 2 dictionary results

cof⋅fer

[kaw-fer, kof-er]
–noun
1. a box or chest, esp. one for valuables.
2. coffers, a treasury; funds: The coffers of the organization were rapidly filled by the contributions.
3. any of various boxlike enclosures, as a cofferdam.
4. Also called caisson, lacunar. Architecture. one of a number of sunken panels, usually square or octagonal, in a vault, ceiling, or soffit.
–verb (used with object)
5. to deposit or lay up in or as in a coffer or chest.
6. to ornament with coffers or sunken panels.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME cofre < OF ≪ L cophinus basket; see coffin


cof⋅fer⋅like, adjective
cof·fer   (kô'fər, kŏf'ər)   
n.  
  1. A strongbox.
  2. often coffers
    1. Financial resources; funds.
    2. A treasury: stole money from the union coffers.
  3. Architecture A decorative sunken panel in a ceiling, dome, soffit, or vault.
  4. The chamber formed by a canal lock.
  5. A cofferdam.
  6. A floating dock.
tr.v.   cof·fered, cof·fer·ing, cof·fers
  1. To put in a coffer.
  2. Architecture To supply (a ceiling, for example) with decorative sunken panels.

[Middle English cofre, from Old French, alteration of *cofne, from Latin cophinus, basket; see coffin.]
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