The Collaborative International Dictionary
Coup \Coup\ (k[=oo]), n. [F., fr.L. colaphus a cuff, Gr. ko`lafos.]
A sudden stroke delivered with promptness and force; -- used also in various ways to convey the idea of an unexpected, clever, and successful tactic or stratagem.
A single roll of the wheel at roulette, or a deal at rouge et noir. [Cant]
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Among some tribes of North American Indians especially of the Great Plains, the act of striking or touching an enemy in warfare with the hand or at close quarters, as with a short stick, in such a manner as by custom to entitle the doer to count the deed an act of bravery; hence, any of various other deeds recognized by custom as acts of bravery or honor. While the coup was primarily, and usually, a blow with something held in the hand, other acts in warfare which involved great danger to him who performed them were also reckoned coups by some tribes. --G. B. Grinnell. Among the Blackfeet the capture of a shield, bow, gun, war bonnet, war shirt, or medicine pipe was deemed a coup. --G. B. Grinnell. Coup de grace (k[=oo]` de gr[.a]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[=oo]` de m[a^]N") [F.] (Mil.), a sudden and unexpected movement or attack. Coup de soleil (k[=o]` de s[-o]*l[asl]l or -l[asl]"y') [F.] (Med.), a sunstroke. See Sunstroke. Coup d'['e]tat (k[=oo]" d[asl]*t[aum]") [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 single view; a rapid glance of the eye; a comprehensive view of a scene; as much as can be seen at one view.
The general effect of a picture.
(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.
WordNet
n. an attack without warning [syn: surprise attack]
Wikipedia
A coup de main (; plural: coups de main, French for blow with the hand) is a swift attack that relies on speed and surprise to accomplish its objectives in a single blow.
Usage examples of "coup de main".
He was confident that he had sufficient jeeps for the coup de main attempt on the bridge.
You might be able to take a position like that by a sudden unexpected coup de main, or if it was held by barbarians too dim to take the proper precautions.
The most prestigious base in the entire Havenite Republic had just been taken intact by a coup de main and since ONI was already going to be pouring over it, what better use could it be put to than stabling the elite Covert Insertion Teams.
He was excited as a boy, and it was clear that he wished to be doing right away: he did not like the notion of a mere reconnaissance, but hoped to carry out the coup de main, as he often called it, in a single operation.
Of course Macdonald was bound to attempt a coup de main upon Daugavgriva.
He'd taken Corona, not only taken it but taken it by a coup de main that left the docks intact.