Coif (koif), n. [OF. coife, F. coiffe, LL. cofea, cuphia, fr. OHG. kuppa, kuppha, miter, perh. fr. L. cupa tub. See Cup, n. ; but cf. also Cop, Cuff the article of dress, Quoif, n.]
A cap. Specifically: (a) A close-fitting cap covering the sides of the head, like a small hood without a cape. (b) An official headdress, such as that worn by certain judges in England.
[Writting also
quoif.]
From point and saucy ermine down
To the plain coif and russet gown.
H. Brocke.
The judges, . . . althout they are not of the first magnitude, nor need be of the degree of the coif, yet are they considerable.
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.
Coif (koif), v. t. [Cf. F. coiffer.]
To cover or dress with, or as with, a coif.
And coif me, where I'm bald, with flowers.
J. G. Cooper.
© Webster 1913.