n. & v.
n. 1 a the border of the land near the sea; the seashore. b (the Coast) US the Pacific coast of the US. 2 a a run, usu. downhill, on a bicycle without pedalling or in a motor vehicle without using the engine. b US a toboggan slide or slope.
v.intr. 1 ride or move, usu. downhill, without use of power, free-wheel. 2 make progress without much effort. 3 US slide down a hill on a toboggan. 4 a sail along the coast. b trade between ports on the same coast. the coast is clear there is no danger of being observed or caught. coast-to-coast across an island or continent. coastal adj.
[ ME f. OF coste, costeier f. L costa rib, flank, side ]