Pronunciation: k ə d, ' ku ̇ d
Function: verbal auxiliary
past of can
Etymology: Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English c ū the; akin to Old High German konda could
Date: 13th century
― used in auxiliary function in the past <we found we could go>, in the past conditional <we said we would go if we could >, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present <if you could come we would be pleased>