from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Coif \Coif\ (koif or kw[aum]f), n. [OF. coife, F. coiffe, LL.
cofea, cuphia, fr. OHG. kuppa, kuppha, miter, perh. fr. L.
cupa tub. See {Cup}, n.; but cf. also {Cop}, {Cuff} the
article of dress, {Quoif}, n.]
1. A cap. Specifically:
(a) A close-fitting cap covering the sides of the head,
like a small hood without a cape.
(b) An official headdress, such as that worn by certain
judges in England. [Written also {quoif}.]
[1913 Webster]
From point and saucy ermine down
To the plain coif and russet gown. --H. Brocke.
[1913 Webster]
The judges, . . . althout they are not of the
first magnitude, nor need be of the degree of
the coif, yet are they considerable. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
2. a {coiffure}.
[PJC]