kɔf v. & n. --v.intr. 1
expel air from the lungs
with a
sudden sharp sound produced by
abrupt opening of the
glottis, to
remove an
obstruction or
congestion. 2 (of an
engine,
gun, etc.)
make a
similar sound. 3 sl.
confess. --n. 1 an
act of coughing. 2 a
condition of the respiratory organs causing coughing. 3 a
tendency to cough. øcough
drop (or sweet) a medicated
lozenge to
relieve a cough. cough
mixture a
liquid medicine to relieve a cough. cough
out 1
eject by coughing. 2
say with a cough. cough up 1 = cough out. 2 sl.
bring out or
give (money or information) reluctantly. øøcougher n. [ME coghe, cowhe, rel. to MDu. kuchen, MHG kuchen, of imit. orig.]