coup Hear it!

coup definition

coup (ko̵̅o̅)

noun pl. coups (ko̵̅o̅z; Fr ko̵̅o̅)

  1. literally a blow
  2. a sudden, successful move or action; brilliant stroke
  3. coup d'état

Etymology: ME coupe & Fr coup, both < OFr colp < ML colpus < VL colapus < L colaphus, a cuff, box on the ear < Gr kolaphos

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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