资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Coup \Coup\ (k??), n. [F., fr.L. colaphus a cuff, Gr. ????.]
   A sudden stroke; an unexpected device or stratagem; -- a term
   used in various ways to convey the idea of promptness and
   force.

   {Coup de grace} (k??" de gr?s") [F.], the stroke of mercy
      with which an executioner ends by death the sufferings of
      the condemned; hence, a decisive, finishing stroke.

   {Coup de main} (k??` de m?n`) [F.] (Mil.), a sudden and
      unexpected movement or attack.

   {Coup de soleil} (k??` d s?-l?l or -l?"y') [F.] (Med.), a
      sunstroke. See {Sunstroke}.

   {Coup d'['e]tat} (k??" d?-t?") [F.] (Politics), a sudden,
      decisive exercise of power whereby the existing government
      is subverted without the consent of the people; an
      unexpected measure of state, more or less violent; a
      stroke of policy.

   {Coup d'[oe]il} (k[=oo]` d[~e]l"). [F.]
   (a) A single view; a rapid glance of the eye; a comprehensive
       view of a scene; as much as can be seen at one view.
   (b) The general effect of a picture.
   (c) (Mil.) The faculty or the act of comprehending at a
       glance the weakness or strength of a military position,
       of a certain arrangement of troops, the most advantageous
       position for a battlefield, etc.

资料来源 : WordNet®

coup de grace
     n : the blow that kills (usually mercifully) [syn: {deathblow}]