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.

Cof"fer, v. t. 1. To put into a coffer. Bacon.

2. (Mining.) To secure from leaking, as a shaft, by ramming clay behind the masonry or timbering. Raymond.

3. To form with or in a coffer or coffers; to furnish with a coffer or coffers.

• a strongbox: a strong chest or box used for keeping money or valuables safe.
  
• (architecture) an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome.
  
• a cofferdam
  
• a supply or store of money, often belonging to an organization
  
• to put money or valuables in a coffer
  
• to decorate something, especially a ceiling, with coffers