coup (kōō), a stroke.

coup de grâce (kōō d gräs´), a finishing-stroke. (Formerly applied to the fatal blow by which the executioner put an end to the torments of a culprit broken on the wheel.)

coup de main (kōō d mâN´), a sudden attack, enterprise, or undertaking.

coup de maître (kōō d metr´), a master-stroke; with consummate skill.

coup de pied (kōō d pēā´), a kick.

coup de plume (kōō d plüm´), a literary attack.

coup de soleil (kōō d sô le´y), a sunstroke.

coup d’essai (kōō de sā´), a first attempt.

coup d’état (kōō dā tȧ´), a stroke of policy; a sudden and decisive blow, usually inflicted by unconstitutional means.

coup de théâtre (kōō dā tā ätr´), a theatrical effect.