Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Coffer \Cof"fer\ (?; 115), n. [OF. cofre, F. coffre, L. cophinus
   basket, fr. Gr. ?. Cf. {Coffin}, n.]
   1. A casket, chest, or trunk; especially, one used for
      keeping money or other valuables. --Chaucer.

            In ivory coffers I have stuffed my crowns. --Shak.

   2. Fig.: Treasure or funds; -- usually in the plural.

            He would discharge it without any burden to the
            queen's coffers, for honor sake.      --Bacon.

            Hold, here is half my coffer.         --Shak.

   3. (Arch.) A panel deeply recessed in the ceiling of a vault,
      dome, or portico; a caisson.

   4. (Fort.) A trench dug in the bottom of a dry moat, and
      extending across it, to enable the besieged to defend it
      by a raking fire.

   5. The chamber of a canal lock; also, a caisson or a
      cofferdam.

   {Coffer dam}. (Engin.) See {Cofferdam}, in the Vocabulary.

   {Coffer fish}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Cowfish}.