coffer
UK: ˈkɒfə | US: ˈkɔːfər
n. a strongbox or small chest for holding valuables
n. (architecture) a decorative sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
n. (figurative) a treasury or source of funds
coffer = coff<box> + er<noun suffix>
- coff (from Old French cofre, Latin cophinus "basket," Greek kophinos "wicker basket")
- er (agentive or instrumental noun suffix in English)
Etymology Origin:
The word "coffer" traces back to the Greek kophinos (wicker basket), borrowed into Latin as cophinus. Through Old French cofre, it entered Middle English with a shifted meaning from "basket" to "sturdy box," reflecting its use for storing valuables. The architectural sense arose from the resemblance of ceiling panels to sunken chest lids.
The jewels were locked in an iron-bound coffer.
The cathedral’s ceiling featured intricate coffers adorned with gold leaf.
The nation’s coffers were depleted after the war.
She donated a portion of her wealth to refill the charity’s coffers.
The pirate’s coffer contained maps and stolen treasures.