Definition of COFFER

coffer

Plural: coffers

Noun

  • an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
  • a chest especially for storing valuables
  • A strong chest or box used for keeping money or valuables safe.
  • An ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome.
  • A cofferdam.
  • A supply or store of money, often belonging to an organization.
  • 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

  • To put money or valuables in a coffer
  • To decorate something, especially a ceiling, with coffers.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English cofre, coffre, from Old French cofre, coffre, from Latin cophinus (“basket”), from Ancient Greek κόφινος (kóphinos, “basket”). Doublet of coffin. Cognate with German Koffer (“a suitcase”).

Synonyms

caisson, lacuna, strongbox

Scrabble Score: 14

coffer is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
coffer is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
coffer is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

coffer is a valid Words With Friends word