\Coup\ (k??), n. [F., fr.L. colaphus a cuff, Gr. ????.]
A sudden stroke; an unexpected device or stratagem; -- a term
used in various ways to convey the idea of promptness and
force.
{Coup de grace} (k??" de gr?s") [F.], the stroke of mercy
   with which an executioner ends by death the sufferings of
   the condemned; hence, a decisive, finishing stroke.
{Coup de main} (k??` de m?n`) [F.] (Mil.), a sudden and
   unexpected movement or attack.
{Coup de soleil} (k??` d s?-l?l or -l?"y') [F.] (Med.), a
   sunstroke. See {Sunstroke}.
{Coup d'['e]tat} (k??" d?-t?") [F.] (Politics), a sudden,
   decisive exercise of power whereby the existing government
   is subverted without the consent of the people; an
   unexpected measure of state, more or less violent; a
   stroke of policy.
{Coup d'[oe]il} (k[=oo]` d[~e]l"). [F.]
(a) A single view; a rapid glance of the eye; a comprehensive
    view of a scene; as much as can be seen at one view.
(b) The general effect of a picture.
(c) (Mil.) The faculty or the act of comprehending at a
    glance the weakness or strength of a military position,
    of a certain arrangement of troops, the most advantageous
    position for a battlefield, etc.

\Coup\ (k[=oo]), n.
1. A single roll of the wheel at roulette, or a deal at rouge
   et noir. [Cant]
2. Among some tribes of North American Indians, the act of
   striking or touching an enemy in warfare with the hand or
   at close quarters, as with a short stick, in such a manner
   as by custom to entitle the doer to count the deed an act
   of bravery; hence, any of various other deeds recognized
   by custom as acts of bravery or honor.
         While the coup was primarily, and usually, a blow
         with something held in the hand, other acts in
         warfare which involved great danger to him who
         performed them were also reckoned coups by some
         tribes.                               --G. B.
                                               Grinnell.
         Among the Blackfeet the capture of a shield, bow,
         gun, war bonnet, war shirt, or medicine pipe was
         deemed a coup.                        --G. B.
                                               Grinnell.

\Coup\ v. i.
To make a coup.
      Woe to the Sioux if the Northern Cheyennes get a chance
      to coup !                                --F.
                                               Remington.