n. [ OF. cofre, F. coffre, L. cophinus basket, fr. Gr. &unr_;. Cf. Coffin, n. ] 1. A casket, chest, or trunk; especially, one used for keeping money or other valuables. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

In ivory coffers I have stuffed my crowns. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: Treasure or funds; -- usually in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ]

He would discharge it without any burden to the queen's coffers, for honor sake. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hold, here is half my coffer. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Arch.) A panel deeply recessed in the ceiling of a vault, dome, or portico; a caisson. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The chamber of a canal lock; also, a caisson or a cofferdam. [ 1913 Webster ]

Coffer dam. (Engin.) See Cofferdam, in the Vocabulary. --
Coffer fish. (Zool.) See Cowfish. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. 1. To put into a coffer. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mining.) To secure from leaking, as a shaft, by ramming clay behind the masonry or timbering. Raymond. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To form with or in a coffer or coffers; to furnish with a coffer or coffers. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A water-tight inclosure, as of piles packed with clay, from which the water is pumped to expose the bottom (of a river, etc.) and permit the laying of foundations, building of piers, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who keeps treasures in a coffer. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Masonry) Rubblework faced with stone. Knight. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who scoffs. 2 Pet. iii. 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of scoffing; scoffing conduct; mockery. Holinshed. [ 1913 Webster ]