Coup'e \Cou`p['e]"\ (k[=oo]`p[asl]"), n. [F., fr. coup['e], p. p. of couper to cut. See Coppice.]

1. The front compartment of a French diligence; also, the front compartment (usually for three persons) of a car or carriage on British railways.

2. A four-wheeled close carriage for two persons inside, with an outside seat for the driver; -- so called because giving the appearance of a larger carriage cut off.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)