from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Coupon \Cou"pon\ (k??"p?n; F. k??`p?n"), n. [F., fr. couper to
cut, cut off. See {Coppice}.]
1. (Com.) A certificate of interest due, printed at the
bottom of transferable bonds (state, railroad, etc.),
given for a term of years, designed to be cut off and
presented for payment when the interest is due; an
interest warrant.
[1913 Webster]
2. A section of a ticket, showing the holder to be entitled
to some specified accomodation or service, as to a passage
over a designated line of travel, a particular seat in a
theater, or the like.
[1913 Webster]
3. a ticket or form allowing the bearer to purchase a
specific quantity of rationed goods; -- such coupons are
typically issued by a governmental agency.
[PJC]
4. a printed form, often distributed as part of an
advertisement, entitling the bearer to purchase a specific
item of merchandise at a discount; or, a similar form
which may be submitted to the issuer to obtain goods or
information. Such coupons may be issued by the
manufacturer ({manufacturer's coupon}) or by a retail
establishment; in the latter case they may then be
redeemed only at that particular retail store.
[PJC]