noun

coif

Coif (noun) means a hood; a close-fitting cap covering much of the head, widespread until the 18th century; after that worn only by small children and country women.

noun

A hood; a close-fitting cap covering much of the head, widespread until the 18th century; after that worn only by small children and country women.

A similar item of mail armour covering the head.

An official headdress, such as that worn by certain judges in England.

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Etymology

From Middle English coif, coife, coyf, coyfe, coyffe, from Old French coife, coiffe, from Late Latin cofia, from Proto-West Germanic *kuffju, related to Old High German kupphia, kupha, kupfe (“mug, hood, cap”), from Proto-Germanic *kuppijǭ (“cap, hat, bonnet, headpiece”), Proto-Germanic *kuppō (“vat, mug, cup”), from pre-Germanic *kubná-, from Proto-Indo-European *gup- (“round object, knoll”), from Proto-Indo-European *gew- (“to bend, curve, arch, vault”). Cognate with Middle High German kupfe (“cap, headgear, helmet”).

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of coif?

"coif" (noun) means a hood; a close-fitting cap covering much of the head, widespread until the 18th century; after that worn only by small children and country women.

What are the different meanings of coif?

"coif" has 3 main meanings: 1. A hood; a close-fitting cap covering much of the head, widespread until the 18th century; after that worn only by small children and country women; 2. A similar item of mail armour covering the head; 3. An official headdress, such as that worn by certain judges in England.