Coffer

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈkÉ’fÉ™/
• US IPA: /ˈkÉ”fÉš/
• US IPA: /ˈkÉ‘fÉš/
• Homophones: cougher
• Rhymes: -É’fÉ™(ɹ)

Alternative forms

• copher obsolete
• cophre obsolete

Origin

From Old French cofre, coffre (""), from Latin cophinus ("basket"), from Ancient Greek κόφινος (kophinos, "basket").

Full definition of coffer

Noun

1. A strongbox: a strong chest or box used for keeping money or valuables safe.
2. (architecture) An ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome; a caisson.
3. A cofferdam.
4. A supply or store of money, often belonging to an organization.
• Francis BaconHe would discharge it without any burden to the queen's coffers.
• ShakespeareHold, here is half my coffer.
5. 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

1. (transitive) To put money or valuables in a coffer
2. (transitive) To decorate something, especially a ceiling, with coffers.