noun
coffer
Coffer (noun) means a sturdy box used to keep money or valuable items safe.
noun
1
A sturdy box used to keep money or valuable items safe.
2
A decorative sunken panel set into a ceiling or dome.
"Prolapsed and waterstained ceiling, the sagging coffers."
— Cormac McCarthy, Suttree (1979)
3
A temporary structure built to keep water out while people work underwater, for example on a bridge.
4
A fund or reserve of money, often held by an organisation.
"The coffers were empty, and the first thing to be done was to devise some means by which we could raise a revenue."
— John Claude White, Sikhim and Bhutan (1909)
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Etymology
Came into English via Middle English cofre or coffre, from Old French cofre or coffre, which came from Latin cophinus (“basket”), itself from Ancient Greek κόφινος (kóphinos, “basket”). It is a doublet of coffin, and is cognate with German Koffer (“a suitcase”).
Synonyms
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lacunar
caisson
Rhymes for coffer
See all rhymes for coffer →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of coffer?
"coffer" (noun) means a sturdy box used to keep money or valuable items safe.
What is another word for coffer?
Other words for "coffer" include lacunar, caisson.
What are the different meanings of coffer?
"coffer" has 3 main meanings: 1. A sturdy box used to keep money or valuable items safe; 2. A decorative sunken panel set into a ceiling or dome; 3. A temporary structure built to keep water out while people work underwater, for example on a bridge.
