Coup Definition

ko͝o
coups
noun
coups
A brilliantly executed stratagem; a triumph.
American Heritage
A blow.
Webster's New World
A sudden, successful move or action; brilliant stroke.
Webster's New World
Webster's New World
A sudden appropriation of leadership or power; a takeover.
A boardroom coup.
American Heritage
idiom
count coup
  • Among certain Native American peoples, to ceremoniously recount one's exploits in battle.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Coup

Noun

Singular:
coup
Plural:
coups

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Coup

Origin of Coup

  • French stroke from Old French colp from Late Latin colpus from Latin colaphus from Greek kolaphos

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Borrowing from Old French

    From Wiktionary

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