coup de main en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ku də meɪn/
- /ku də mæn/
Etymology
Borrowed from French coup de main.
Meanings
-
A sudden development or action carried out to surprise an enemy.
That which of all things he most dreaded was that he should be out-generalled by Mr. Slope; and just at present it appeared probable that Mr. Slope would turn his flank, steal a march on him, cut off his provisions, carry his strong town by a coup de main, and at last beat him thoroughly in a regular pitched battle.
1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, volume II, →ISBN, page 78:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| coups de main | Number=Plur | lexicographic |