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572 results for: Coup

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Dictionary Entries (11 more entries. View all »)
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
coup2    Audio Help   [kohp, koop] Pronunciation Key
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object) Scot.
overturn; upset.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME coupe to pay for < ON kaupa to buy, barter; c. OE céapian, G kaufen. See cheap]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
coup1    Audio Help   [koo] Pronunciation Key
–noun, plural coups    Audio Help   [kooz; Fr. koo] Pronunciation Key.
1.a highly successful, unexpected stroke, act, or move; a clever action or accomplishment.
2.(among the Plains Indians of North America) a brave or reckless deed performed in battle by a single warrior, as touching or striking an enemy warrior without sustaining injury oneself.
3.coup d'état.
—Idiom
4.count coup, (among Plains Indians of North America)
a.to perform a coup.
b.to recount or relate the coups one has performed.
[Origin: 1640–50; < F: lit., blow, stroke, OF colp < LL colpus, L colaphus < Gk kólaphos]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopedia Articles (558 more entries. View all »)
Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia - Cite This Source

coup [Fr.,=blow], among Native North Americans of the Plains culture, a war honor, awarded for striking an enemy in such a way that it was considered an extreme act of bravery. Generally, coups were awarded according to the degree of difficulty and danger involved; the most extreme, such as striking an armed enemy with the bare hand, counted highest. Killing an enemy, wounding him, scalping him, or stealing his horse or gun—all these were coups of value. Recital of the deeds was an important social function, and a warrior with many coups held a high status and was honored at feasts, ceremonials, and in the tribe. After warfare had ceased, coups became transferable property, passing from the old men to the younger, who needed coups to acquire warrior status in the tribe.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2004, Columbia University Press.
Licensed from Columbia University Press


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