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coup

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coup

1  [koo]
Use coup in a Sentence
–noun, plural coups  [kooz; Fr. koo] .
1. a highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.
2. (among the Plains Indians of North America) a brave or reckless deed performed in battle by a single warrior, as touching or striking an enemy warrior without sustaining injury oneself.
3. coup d'état.
—Idiom
4. count coup, (among Plains Indians of North America)
a. to perform a coup.
b. to recount or relate the coups one has performed.
Origin:
1640–50; < F: lit., blow, stroke, OF colp < LL colpus, L colaphus < Gk kólaphos
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coup

2  [kohp, koop]
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object) Scot.
overturn; upset.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME coupe to pay for < ON kaupa to buy, barter; c. OE cēapian, G kaufen. See cheap
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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coup   (kōō)   
n.   pl. coups (kōōz)

  1. A brilliantly executed stratagem; a triumph.

    1. A coup d'état.

    2. A sudden appropriation of leadership or power; a takeover: a boardroom coup.

  3. Among certain Native American peoples, a feat of bravery performed in battle, especially the touching of an enemy's body without causing injury.


[French, stroke, from Old French colp, from Late Latin colpus, from Latin colaphus, from Greek kolaphos.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

coup [(kooh)]

In politics, an abbreviation for coup d'état.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

coup 
c.1400, from O.Fr. colp "to cut, strike," from M.L. colpus, from V.L. colapus, from L. colaphus "a cuff, box on the ear," from Gk. kolaphos "a blow, slap." Coup d'étate is 1646, from Fr., lit. "stroke of the state." Coup de grâce is 1699, lit. "stroke of grace."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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