cosh

¹ American  

[kosh] / kɒʃ /

noun

1. a blackjack; bludgeon.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to hit on the head with a cosh.

cosh ² American  

[kosh] / kɒʃ /

noun

Mathematics.

1. hyperbolic cosine.

---

cosh ¹ British  

/ ˈkɒsˈeɪtʃ, kɒʃ /

noun

1. hyperbolic cosine; a hyperbolic function, cosh z = 1/ 2 (e z + e –z ), related to cosine by the expression cosh i z = cos z, where i = √–1

---

cosh ² British  

/ kɒʃ /

noun

1. a blunt weapon, often made of hard rubber; bludgeon

2. an attack with such a weapon

---

verb

1. to hit with such a weapon, esp on the head

cosh Scientific  

1. Abbreviation of hyperbolic cosine

---

Etymology

Origin of cosh¹

First recorded in 1865–70; of uncertain origin; perhaps from Romani kosh, koshter “piece of wood,stick,” akin to Sanskrit kāṣṭham

Origin of cosh¹

First recorded in 1870–75; cos(ine) + h(yperbolic)

Example Sentences

Four-time major champion Sinner was imperious and looked unflustered on the few occasions that the aggressive Shelton put him under the cosh.

From Barron's

Councils have been under the cosh when it comes to funding, with growing demand for services like social care, support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and housing.

From BBC

Everton have been under the cosh a lot this year and it's good to see him step up.

From BBC

Australia had been under the cosh for seven or eight minutes but hadn’t conceded and went into the break 7-3 down.

From BBC

She told the BBC: "She felt under the cosh... No support was offered to her whatsoever."

From BBC

Related Words

• bash
• bludgeon
• clobber
• pummel
• whack