I. noun
also coiffe ˈkȯif, in sense 4 usually ˈkwäf or -af or -aa(ə)f or -ȧf
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English coyfe, from Middle French coife, coiffe, from Late Latin cofea, cofia
1. : a cap covering the sides of the head like a small hood, having various shapes and sizes, and worn at various periods of history by men and women
a nun's coif
2. : a defensive usually iron or steel skullcap formerly worn by soldiers (as under the hood of mail) ; also : a hood of mail
3. : a white cap formerly worn by lawyers in England, especially serjeants-at-law ; also : the order or rank of a serjeant-at-law
4. : coiffure
5. : a small close-fitting woman's hat worn on the crown or the back of the head
II. transitive verb
also coiffe ˈkȯif, in sense 3 usually ˈkwäf or -af or -aa(ə)f or -ȧf
( coiffed or coifed ; coiffed or coifed ; coiffing or coifing ; coifs )
Etymology: Middle French coiffer, from coiffe, n.
1. : to cover or dress with or as if with a coif
2. : to invest with a coif
3. : to arrange (hair) by combing, brushing, or curling