coup 1
/kooh/ , n. , pl. coups /koohz/ ; Fr. /kooh/ .
1. a highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.
2. (among the Plains Indians of North America) a brave or reckless deed performed in battle by a single warrior, as touching or striking an enemy warrior without sustaining injury oneself.
3. See coup d'état .
4. count coup , (among Plains Indians of North America)
a. to perform a coup.
b. to recount or relate the coups one has performed.
[ 1640-50; colp colpus, L colaphus kólaphos ]
coup 2
/kohp, koohp/ , v.t., v.i. Scot.
overturn; upset.
[ 1350-1400; ME coupe to pay for kaupa to buy, barter; c. OE ceapian, G kaufen. See CHEAP ]