Coup

a French word signifying “a stroke,” used in certain phrases that have become current almost universally. A coup d’état (stroke of State) means an arbitrary encroachment suddenly effected by the governing authorities upon the constitution of the State, altering or setting aside the prerogatives of other parts of the body politic. Coup de main \ a stroke of the hand) is a sudden and succe ful attack; coup d’cil (a stroke of the eye) is a summary view of a complicated matter; coup de théAtre is a trick of the stage; and coup de grace is the merciful blow that puts a vice tim out of pain. Coupé, a four-wheeled carriage cars rying two inside, with a seat for the driver outside. s Coupon, a warrant or certificate for the periodical payment of interest on bonds i ued for any term of years, The interest being payable quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly, as many cous pons are attached to each bond as represent the total number of such pays ments to be made, with the date of payment printed on each, When a payment of interest becomes due at any particular date the holder of the bond detaches the corresponding coue pon and presents it for payment.