coffer dam

1 definition found

coffer dam - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Coffer \Cof"fer\ (?; 115), n. [OF. cofre, F. coffre, L. cophinus
     basket, fr. Gr. ?. Cf. Coffin, n.]
     1. A casket, chest, or trunk; especially, one used for
        keeping money or other valuables. --Chaucer.
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              In ivory coffers I have stuffed my crowns. --Shak.
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     2. Fig.: Treasure or funds; -- usually in the plural.
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              He would discharge it without any burden to the
              queen's coffers, for honor sake.      --Bacon.
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              Hold, here is half my coffer.         --Shak.
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     3. (Arch.) A panel deeply recessed in the ceiling of a vault,
        dome, or portico; a caisson.
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     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.
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     5. The chamber of a canal lock; also, a caisson or a
        cofferdam.
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     Coffer dam. (Engin.) See Cofferdam, in the Vocabulary.
  
     Coffer fish. (Zool.) See Cowfish.
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