coif
coif Lexical Profile
coif Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A style or arrangement of hair, especially an elaborate or carefully groomed one.
"The actor stepped onto the red carpet sporting a sleek, newly sculpted coif."
A close-fitting cap worn historically under a veil by nuns, under a helmet or hood of mail by medieval soldiers, or as a badge of office by English serjeants-at-law.
"Beneath his steel helmet, the knight wore a padded linen coif to absorb the impact of blows."
• verb
To style, dress, or arrange hair.
"The salon stylist spent nearly an hour coiffing the bride's hair before the ceremony."
To cover or dress the head with or as if with a close-fitting cap.
"The portrait depicted a medieval noblewoman coiffed in finely embroidered silk."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to a hairstyle or the act of styling hair (shortened from 'coiffure'), 'coif' is commonly pronounced /kwɑːf/, whereas the historical cap sense is traditionally pronounced /kɔɪf/. Do not confuse 'coif' with 'quaff' (to drink heartily).
• Rhymes for coif
Word Origin & Etymology
Entered Middle English from Old French 'coife' (headdress or cap), from Late Latin 'cofia' (helmet or hood), which is likely of Germanic origin. The modern hairstyling sense developed in the 20th century as a shortening of the French loanword 'coiffure'.