coffer

[ˈkɔːfər]

nounmasculinepl: coffers

cofre

1. A strongbox or chest used for storing valuables, especially money or jewels

The king's coffers were filled with gold and precious gems.

Os cofres do rei estavam cheios de ouro e pedras preciosas.

2. A decorative recessed panel in a ceiling or vault

The cathedral's ceiling featured elaborate wooden coffers.

O teto da catedral apresentava sofisticados caixotões de madeira.

3. Financial resources or funds of an organization or government

The scandal drained the city's coffers.

O escândalo esgotou os cofres da cidade.

Synonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

cofre

Most common usage for strongbox or financial resources

São Paulo

cofre

Standard usage, same as general Brazilian

Portugal

cofre

Standard usage; also 'caixa-forte' for strongbox

Architecture

caixotão

Preferred term for decorative ceiling panels

drain the coffers - esgotar os cofres

raid the coffers - saquear os cofres

public coffers - cofres públicos

fill the coffers - encher os cofres

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