n.
- a small chest for holding valuables.
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(coffers)
the funds or financial reserves of an institution.
- a decorative sunken panel in a ceiling.
v.
[
usu. as adj. coffered]
decorate (a ceiling) with a coffer or coffers.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. coffre ‘chest’, via L. from Gk kophinos ‘basket’.