Cof"fer (?; 115), n. [OF. cofre, F. coffre, L. cophinus basket, fr. Gr. . Cf. Coffin, n.]

1.

A casket, chest, or trunk; especially, one used for keeping money or other valuables.

Chaucer.

In ivory coffers I have stuffed my crowns. Shak.

2.

Fig.: Treasure or funds; -- usually in the plural.

He would discharge it without any burden to the queen's coffers, for honor sake. Bacon.

Hold, here is half my coffer. Shak.

3. Arch.

A panel deeply recessed in the ceiling of a vault, dome, or portico; a caisson.

4. Fort.

A trench dug in the botton of a dry moat, and extending across it, to enable the besieged to defend it by a raking fire.

5.

The chamber of a canal lock; also, a caisson or a cofferdam.

Coffer dam. Engin. See Cofferdam, in the Vocabulary. -- Coffer fish. Zool. See Cowfish.

 

© Webster 1913.


Cof"fer, v. t.

1.

To put into a coffer.

Bacon.

2. Mining.

To secure from leaking, as a chaft, by ramming clay behind the masonry or timbering.

Raymond.

3.

To form with or in a coffer or coffers; to turnish with a coffer or coffers.

 

© Webster 1913.

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