Difference Between Coif and Quaff

Table of Contents

The terms coif and Quaff are spelled the very same way, yet they have very various definitions. There are a few semantic and grammatical distinctions among “coif” and “quaff.” As a result, the purpose of this essay is to distinguish between Coif and Quaff. 

Coif vs Quaff

The main difference between Coif and Quaff is that they have diverse meanings, are derived from separate languages, and Quaff is mostly a verb, whereas Coif is primarily a noun. Even yet, since they are homophones, individuals routinely make them up if they’ve just heard the phrase pronounced.

A coif is a medieval cowl worn out over the face and head by male soldiers in the fourteenth century as an element of heavy armor. The Coif had been a padded fabric knotted underneath the chin as well as filled with woolen or horsehair. 

Quaffing implies “to drink vigorously” or “in huge gulps.” It’s a word that means “to drink with gusto” or “to deplete (a cup) at one stroke.” Quaff can alternatively be defined as “a vigorous gulp of liquid” or “a drink.” The term “quaff” goes back to The old Norse term kafja, meaning “to gulp down.” It was first used during the thirteenth century and is now in use ever since.

Comparison Table Between Coif and Quaff

Parameters of ComparisonCoifQuaff
Parts of SpeechAs stated above, coif is primarily used as a noun is different aspects.On the other hand, Quaff is predominantly is used as a verb.
MeaningA coif is a phrase that relates to a headwear, particularly one that covers the neck as well as shoulders. It has been worn by both men and ladies throughout history.Quaffing is a verb that implies to consume with pleasure. This also implies to consume a huge quantity of something quickly.
OriginThe origin of coif is said to be originated from the 11th century when the old monks used to wear it to cover themselves.Whereas, in case of Quaff, it has been difficult to trace down the origin of this terminology. But the closest trace of this term comes from Germany.
Significant ApplicationOne significant application of Coif was for distinguishing judges. Coifs became popular headdresses for mediaeval judges, particularly serjeants-at-law.
The meaning of the word Quaff is to enthusiastically drink, usually referring to an alcoholic drink, whether that means to enjoy drinking very much or to drink large amounts, or to drink a lot at a time.
Borrowed FromThe term coif is borrowed from the French term and is also spelled as coiffe.Whereas, Quaff is the term that is derived from Germanic word with uncertain origins.

What is Coif?

A coif is a medieval cowl worn out over the face and head by male soldiers in the fourteenth century as an element of heavy armor. The Coif had been a padded fabric knotted underneath the chin as well as filled with woolen or horsehair. 

A coif was usually worn beneath the big helm to defend the neck against assaults from all sides. Arrows, as well as other weaponry, could not get lodged in the hair and pierce the neck because of the Coif. This also avoided additional injuries such as low blows and being pushed off the horse.

According to some researchers, it is inherited out from cowls used by medieval priests in the eleventh century. These hoods were designed to keep them warm and dry while traversing great miles between monastery on foot. The word ‘ Coif,’ also called ‘coiffe,’ comes through French. It consists of a variety of items that conceal the head. The very first refers to a hairdo.

What is Quaff?

Quaffing implies “to drink vigorously” or “in huge gulps.” It’s a word that means “to drink with gusto” or “to deplete (a cup) at one stroke.” Quaff can alternatively be defined as “a vigorous gulp of liquid” or “a drink.” The term “quaff” goes back to The old Norse term kafja, meaning “to gulp down.” It was first used during the thirteenth century and is now in use ever since.

The term “quaff” could go back to the time in the 1400s before it was even used during Geoffrey Chaucer’s works “The Tale of Beryn.” Subsequently, during William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the term was utilized (1603). By that time, the use of Quaff had grown common. 

Quaffing implies consuming anything vigorously or all at once. Quaff can also apply to a beverage that is drunk in large quantities or all in one go, commonly an alcoholic beverage. Quaffs, quaffed, and quaffing all are synonyms.

Main Differences Between Coif and Quaff

  • As stated above, Coif is primarily used as a noun in different aspects. On the other hand, Quaff is predominantly is used as a verb.
  • A coif is a phrase that relates to headwear, particularly one that covers the neck as well as shoulders. It has been worn by both men and ladies throughout history. Quaffing is a verb that implies consuming with pleasure. This also implies consuming a huge quantity of something quickly.
  • The origin of Coif is said to be originated from the 11th century when the old monks used to wear it to cover themselves. Whereas, in the case of Quaff, it has been difficult to trace down the origin of this terminology. But the closest trace of this term comes from Germany.
  • One significant application of Coif was for distinguishing judges. Coifs became popular headdresses for medieval judges, particularly serjeants-at-law. The meaning of the word Quaff is to enthusiastically drink, usually referring to an alcoholic drink, whether that means to enjoy drinking very much or to drink large amounts, or to drink a lot at a time.
  • The term coif is borrowed from the French term and is also spelled as coiffe. Whereas, Quaff is the term that is derived from a Germanic word with uncertain origins.
  • Conclusion

    The two entities are spelled the very same way: they rhyme with ‘off’ and start with a ‘kWh tone. The best method to discern the 2 out in a discussion is to consider the circumstances. With one instance, ‘coif’ as a noun as well as ‘quaff’ as a verb are far more prevalent. However, the meaning of ‘coif’ and ‘quaff’ is generally evident, as ‘coif’ alludes to it on the forehead, and ‘quaff’ relates to drinks. Until somebody spat plenty of a drink over them, finding a quaff on their head is improbable.

    References

  • https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=N8342Ioe-04C&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Difference+Between+Coif+and+Quaff+(With+Table)&ots=GFo-oDBEwO&sig=-RAzL4K9lOPDyhsM74KskUMmAu8#v=onepage&q&f=false
  • https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=VYaADY-FuT0C&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Difference+Between+Coif+and+Quaff+(With+Table)&ots=EY9x-1Wz98&sig=oHIgWHcHpNttI-LmSUDaL8wqLz4#v=onepage&q&f=false
  • ncG1vNJzZmiZo6Cur8XDop2fnaKau6SxjZympmeUnrOnsdGepZydXZeytcPEnqVmm5%2Bes26tzZ1kqq2Rm7Nw