The Collaborative International Dictionary
Couple-close
Couple-close \Cou"ple-close`\ (k[u^]p"'l*kl[=o]s`), n.; pl. Couple-closes (k[u^]p"'l*kl[=o]"s[e^]z).
(Her.) A diminutive of the chevron, containing one fourth of its surface. Couple-closes are generally borne one on each side of a chevron, and the blazoning may then be either a chevron between two couple-closes or chevron cottised.
(Arch.) A pair of rafters framed together with a tie fixed at their feet, or with a collar beam. [Engl.]
Wiktionary
couple-close
n. (context heraldiccharge English) A diminutive of the chevron, always borne in closely placed pairs.