Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Coup?

\Coup\ (k??), n. [F., fr.L. colaphus a cuff, Gr. ????.] A sudden stroke; an unexpected device or stratagem; -- a term used in various ways to convey the idea of promptness and force. {Coup de grace} (k??" de gr?s") [F.], the stroke of mercy with which an executioner ends by death the sufferings of the condemned; hence, a decisive, finishing stroke. {Coup de main} (k??` de m?n`) [F.] (Mil.), a sudden and unexpected movement or attack. {Coup de soleil} (k??` d s?-l?l or -l?"y') [F.] (Med.), a sunstroke. See {Sunstroke}. {Coup d'['e]tat} (k??" d?-t?") [F.] (Politics), a sudden, decisive exercise of power whereby the existing government is subverted without the consent of the people; an unexpected measure of state, more or less violent; a stroke of policy. {Coup d'[oe]il} (k[=oo]` d[~e]l"). [F.] (a) A single view; a rapid glance of the eye; a comprehensive view of a scene; as much as can be seen at one view. (b) The general effect of a picture. (c) (Mil.) The faculty or the act of comprehending at a glance the weakness or strength of a military position, of a certain arrangement of troops, the most advantageous position for a battlefield, etc.
\Coup\ (k[=oo]), n. 1. A single roll of the wheel at roulette, or a deal at rouge et noir. [Cant] 2. Among some tribes of North American Indians, the act of striking or touching an enemy in warfare with the hand or at close quarters, as with a short stick, in such a manner as by custom to entitle the doer to count the deed an act of bravery; hence, any of various other deeds recognized by custom as acts of bravery or honor. While the coup was primarily, and usually, a blow with something held in the hand, other acts in warfare which involved great danger to him who performed them were also reckoned coups by some tribes. --G. B. Grinnell. Among the Blackfeet the capture of a shield, bow, gun, war bonnet, war shirt, or medicine pipe was deemed a coup. --G. B. Grinnell.
\Coup\ v. i. To make a coup. Woe to the Sioux if the Northern Cheyennes get a chance to coup ! --F. Remington.