coffer

[kaw-fer, kof-er]

noun

1. a box or chest, especially one for valuables.

2. coffers, a treasury; funds.

   The coffers of the organization were rapidly filled by the contributions.

3. any of various boxlike enclosures, as a cofferdam.

4. Also called caisson, lacunar. Architecture.,  one of a number of sunken panels, usually square or octagonal, in a vault, ceiling, or soffit.

verb (used with object)

1. to deposit or lay up in or as in a coffer or chest.

2. to ornament with coffers or sunken panels.

coffer

/ ˈkɒfə /

noun

1. a chest, esp for storing valuables

2. (usually plural) a store of money

3. Also called: caisson.  lacuna. an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling, dome, etc

4. a watertight box or chamber

5. 1. short for cofferdam

   2. a recessed panel in a concrete, metal, or timber soffit

verb

1. to store, as in a coffer

2. to decorate (a ceiling, dome, etc) with coffers

Other Word Forms

• cofferlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffer¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English cofre, from Old French, ultimately from Latin cophinus “basket”; coffin

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffer¹

C13: from Old French coffre, from Latin cophinus basket, from Greek kophinos

Example Sentences

At the center are allegations that Mathis pushed out longtime members and installed a handful of supporters who are paid from church coffers, an effort Burton’s descendants call “steeple-jacking.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Officials expect the increased parking meter rates to add $14.4 million to city coffers this fiscal year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Public money is flowing straight into commercial banks' coffers because of a flawed policy design," he said.

Read more on BBC

And it has worked if domestic dominance, player trading and money in the coffers is your ideal.

Read more on BBC

The incentive structure is clear: Toe the line and your coffers swell; cross it and a financial juggernaut rolls over you.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exchequer 
• treasury 
• war chest