coign of vantage

American  

noun

1. a good position for observation, judgment, criticism, action, etc.

---

coign of vantage British  

noun

1. an advantageous position or stance for observation or action

---

Etymology

Origin of coign of vantage

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coign of vantage

As our friends noiselessly gained their coign of vantage, the prisoner was speaking, and his voice, though clear, was so weak and low that the trio had to strain their ears to catch his words.

From Into the Unknown A Romance of South Africa by Fletcher, Lawrence

The trunk of the leaning birch, so slender that his arms and legs could clasp it, had given him access to this coign of vantage and now offered a retreat from it.

From A Hero of Ticonderoga by Robinson, Rowland E.

It would be far better to seize this coign of vantage, especially as Copley had not the smallest idea of the bitter enemy he was maintaining under his roof.

From Hard Pressed by White, Fred M. (Fred Merrick)

The crowds lining the streets, for about seven miles along which the procession passed, were innumerable; and every window and coign of vantage, with numerous scaffoldings along the line, appeared filled with spectators.

From Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888 by VII, Edward

Deign, then, oh my lord, to rest in these arms of mine, and contemplate your victory from a safe coign of vantage.'

From The Serapion Brethren, Vol. I. by Hoffmann, Ernst Theodor Wilhelm