COUPED. From the French word couper, to cut. The cross in the example is couped, part of it being cut off, so as not to touch the edges of the shield.
Ex. Azure, a cross couped argent.
COUPED. The head or limbs of any animal cut close is called couped.
Ex. Argent, a boar's head proper couped.
COUPLE-CLOSE. One of the diminutives of the chevron, half the size of the chevronel.
Ex. Argent, three couple-closes interlaced vert.