coif
Definition
Noun:
- A close-fitting cap: A small, tight-fitting cap historically worn by certain groups, such as nuns under a veil, soldiers under a mail hood, or British legal sergeants.
- A hairstyle: The style or arrangement of a person's hair, especially a woman's hair.
Verb:
- To style hair: To arrange or dress hair in an attractive or particular manner.
- To cover with a cap: To put a coif on; to cover the head with a close-fitting cap.
Usage Examples
Noun (Cap):
- The medieval knight wore a chainmail coif under his helmet.
- The nun's traditional habit included a white coif.
Noun (Hairstyle):
- Her elegant coif was the work of a talented stylist.
- The painting from the 18th century shows the intricate coif of a noblewoman.
Verb (To style):
- The hairdresser will coif the bride's hair for the ceremony.
- She coifed her hair into an elaborate updo for the gala.
Verb (To cover):
- The armor was designed to coif the head and neck for protection.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Legal Context: In historical contexts, "coif" can specifically refer to the white cap worn by a serjeant-at-law, a former rank of barrister in England.
- The serjeant's coif was a symbol of his professional status.
Variants and Related Words
- Coiffure (n.): A more formal term for a hairstyle or the act of styling hair.
- She admired the sophisticated coiffure in the fashion magazine.
- Coiffeur (n.): A male hairdresser.
- Coiffeuse (n.): A female hairdresser.
Synonyms
- Noun (Cap): Cap, skullcap, headpiece.
- Noun (Hairstyle): Hairstyle, hairdo, haircut.
- Verb (To style): Style, arrange, dress, set, groom.
Related Phrases
- To be coifed: To have one's hair styled.
- The guests were beautifully coifed for the wedding.
Noun
-
a skullcap worn by nuns under a veil or by soldiers under a hood of mail or formerly by British sergeants-at-law
-
the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
Verb
-
arrange attractively
-
dress my hair for the wedding
-
-
cover with a coif
