Well-couched

ppl. a.

  1.  Of a structure: Firmly bedded or based.

1538.  [see COUCH v.¹ 3 b].

1608.  Bp. Hall, Char. Vertues & Vices, II. 104. He is the wheele of a well-couched fire-worke, that flies out on all sides, not without scorching it selfe.

1639.  [see TRUNCHEON sb. 6].

1675.  [see COUCHED ppl. a.].

  2.  Of speech: Skilfully framed or expressed.

1625.  K. Long, trans. Barclay’s Argenis, V. i. 325. He, in well-couched Language, beseeches Poliarchus to use his fortune moderately.

1644.  Milton, Educ., 6. Logic … with all her well coucht heads and Topics. Ibid. (1649), Eikon., iv. 23. Wee have heer … a neat and well-couch’d invective against Tumults.

1714.  Mandeville, Fab. Bees (1723), I. 158. Whilst harmonious Musick and well-couch’d Flattery entertain his Hearing by Turns.

  3.  Skilfully or craftily planned.

1671.  Milton, P. R., I. 97. Not force, but well couch’t fraud, well woven snares.