Definition
A strong wooden chest or strongbox used for storing valuables; a recessed panel in a ceiling or vault, typically square or rectangular and often ornamental. The plural or singular use varies by context.
Example Usage
The king's treasurer carefully locked the gold coins inside the ornate wooden coffer, while the cathedral's coffered ceiling gleamed with gilded details.
Origin
From Old French 'cofre,' from Latin 'cophinus' (basket), borrowed from Greek; used in English since the 1200s.
Fun Fact
Coffered ceilings are a hallmark of classical and Renaissance architecture, creating both visual grandeur and acoustic benefits.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “coffer” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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