- couch´er
-
–n.1. a long seat, usually upholstered and having a back and arms; sofa: »
Over against one wall was a black leather couch—not a davenport, not a settee, but simply a battered old leather couch (Robert Traver).
SYNONYM(S): divan, lounge.2. a bed or other structure made to sleep or rest on: »Oft when on my couch I lie in vacant or in pensive mood (Wordsworth).
3. any place for sleep or rest: »The deer sprang up from its grassy couch.
4. a) the burrow of an otter. b) Obsolete. the den or lair of a wild animal.5. the frame on which barley is spread to be malted.6. a coat of paint, varnish, or other material.–v.t.1. to lay on a couch.2. a) to put in words; express: »His thoughts were couched in beautiful language.
b) to express obscurely.3. to lower into a level position ready to attack: »The knights couched their lances and prepared to charge.
SYNONYM(S): lower.4. to lower (the head or other part of the body); bring down.5. (in embroidery) to overlay with heavy thread in a pattern, fastened down at equal intervals by fine stitches.6. Archaic. to lay down; cause to lie down; put to bed: »The Hind…then couched herself securely by her side (John Dryden).
7. Obsolete. to put (things) horizontally or in layers.9. Medicine, Obsolete. a) to remove (a cataract) by displacing the opaque crystalline lens below the axis of vision. b) to treat (a person) for cataract in this way.–v.i.1. to lie down on a couch. SYNONYM(S): recline.2. to lie hidden ready to attack; lurk: »Bertram…couches in the brake and fern, hiding his face (Scott).
SYNONYM(S): crouch.4. to lie in a bed or heap for decomposition or fermentation: »oak leaves crouching as compost.
5. Archaic. to lie at rest; recline; repose: »The peasantry…couch upon beds of straw (Harriet Martineau).
6. Obsolete. to lie down or together.╂[< Old French couche < coucher lay in place < Latin collocāre < com- together + locāre to place < locus a place]–couch´er, noun.–couch´like´, adjective.= couch grass. (Cf. ↑couch grass)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
