from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Couple-close \Cou"ple-close`\ (k[u^]p"'l*kl[=o]s`), n.; pl.
{Couple-closes} (k[u^]p"'l*kl[=o]"s[e^]z).
1. (Her.) A diminutive of the chevron, containing one fourth
of its surface. Couple-closes are generally borne one on
each side of a chevron, and the blazoning may then be
either a chevron between two couple-closes or chevron
cottised.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Arch.) A pair of rafters framed together with a tie fixed
at their feet, or with a collar beam. [Engl.]
[1913 Webster]