Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Coffer
Cof′fer
(?; 115)
, Noun.
1.
A casket, chest, or trunk; especially, one used for keeping money or other valuables.
Chaucer.
In ivory
coffers
I have stuffed my crowns. Shakespeare
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
. Shakespeare
3.
(Arch.)
A panel deeply recessed in the ceiling of a vault, dome, or portico; a caisson.
4.
(Fort.)
A trench dug in the bottom of a dry moat, and extending across it, to enable the besieged to defend it by a raking fire.
Cof′fer
,Verb.
T.
1.
To put into a coffer.
Bacon.
2.
(Mining.)
To secure from leaking, as a shaft, by ramming clay behind the masonry or timbering.
Raymond.
3.
To form with or in a coffer or coffers; to furnish with a coffer or coffers.
Webster 1828 Edition
Coffer
COFFER
, n.1.
A chest or trunk; and as a chest is customarily used for keeping money, hence,2.
A chest of money; a treasure.3.
In architecture, a square depression or sinking in each interval between the modillions of the Corinthian cornice, ordinarily filled with a rose, a pomegranate or other enrichment.4.
In fortification, a hollow lodgment across a dry moat, from 6 to 7 feet deep and from 16 to 18 broad; the upper part made of pieces of timber, raised two feet above the level of the moat; which little elevation has hurdles laden with earth for its covering, and serves as a parapet with embrasures. It is raised by the besieged to repulse besiegers when they endeavor to pass the ditch.