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.