coif 1
/koyf/ , n.
1. a hood-shaped cap, usually of white cloth and with extended sides, worn beneath a veil, as by nuns.
2. any of various hoodlike caps, varying through the centuries in shape and purpose, worn by men and women.
3. a cap similar to a skullcap, formerly worn by sergeants at law.
4. Armor. a covering for the head and neck, made of leather, padded cloth, or mail.
5. Brit. the rank or position of a sergeant at law.
v.t.
6. to cover or dress with or as with a coif.
[ 1250-1300; ME coyf ( e ) coife, OF coiffe cofia, cofea headdress, sort of cap kuf ( f ) ja ]
coif 2
/kwahf, koyf/ , n. , v.t.
coiffure (defs. 1, 3).
Also coiffe .
[ prob. back formation from COIFFURE, or coiffer, its base ]