I. ˈkȯif, in sense 2 also ˈkwäf noun
Etymology: Middle English coife, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin cofea
Date: 14th century
1. : a close-fitting cap: as
a. : a hoodlike cap worn under a veil by nuns
b. : a protective usually metal skullcap formerly worn under a hood of mail
c. : a white cap formerly worn by English lawyers and especially by serjeants-at-law ; also : the order or rank of a serjeant-at-law
2. : coiffure
II. ˈkȯif, ˈkwäf transitive verb
( coiffed or coifed ; coif·fing or coif·ing )
Date: 15th century
1. : to cover or dress with or as if with a coif
2. : to arrange (hair) by brushing, combing, or curling