COFFER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does coffer mean? 

• COFFER (noun)
  The noun COFFER has 2 senses:

1. an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome

2. a chest especially for storing valuables

  Familiarity information: COFFER used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COFFER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

caisson; coffer; lacunar

Hypernyms ("coffer" is a kind of...):

panel (sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A chest especially for storing valuables

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("coffer" is a kind of...):

chest (box with a lid; used for storage; usually large and sturdy)

 Context examples 

In this coffer, his riches hid themselves with such a tenacious modesty, that the smallest instalments could only be tempted out by artifice; so that Peggotty had to prepare a long and elaborate scheme, a very Gunpowder Plot, for every Saturday's expenses.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)