sb. [f. COFFER sb. + -ING.]

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  1.  An arrangement or structure of coffers. In quots. referring to the ‘coffers’ or troughs used to support the chain in measuring the Ordnance Survey base-line on Hounslow Heath.

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1785.  Roy, Surveying, in Phil. Trans., LXXV. 451. Stands … that supported the ninety-eight feet of coffering. Ibid. (1790), LXXX. Plate 1, Plan of the Coffering for each Chain.

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  2.  Arch. Cf. COFFER sb. 5; COFFERED 2.

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1845.  Athenæum, 4 Jan., 18. Its coffering, and also the panelled soffits of the architraves.

5

1884.  H. Stannus, Dome St. Paul’s (Times, 20 Nov., 4/5). Coffering … was intended by Wren, as shown by his drawings.

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  3.  Mining. See COFFER v.1 3.

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