n.1 a box, esp. a large strongbox for valuables.
2 (in pl.) a treasury or store of funds.
3 a sunken panel in a ceiling etc.
Phrases and idioms:
coffer-dam a watertight enclosure pumped dry to permit work below the waterline on building bridges etc., or for repairing a ship.
Derivatives:
coffered adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF coffre f. L cophinus f. Gk kophinos basket