Cof·fer n.
  1. A casket, chest, or trunk; especially, one used for keeping money or other valuables.
     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. Zool. See Cowfish.