coffle

[ kaw-fuhl, kof-uhl ]

noun

1. a line of animals, prisoners, or slaves chained and driven along together.

verb (used with object)

, cof·fled, cof·fling.

1. to chain in a coffle.

coffle

/ ˈkɒfəl /

noun

1. (esp formerly) a line of slaves, beasts, etc, fastened together

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffle¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Arabic qāfilah “caravan, company of travelers”

Word History and Origins

Origin of coffle¹

C18: from Arabic qāfilah caravan

Example Sentences

This sad and weeping fifty, in handcuffs and chains, was the last slave coffle that shall tread the soil of America.

From Project Gutenberg

He was collecting a coffle of slaves, with a view to sell them to the Europeans on the Gambia as soon as the rains should be over.

From Project Gutenberg

I found him sitting in his baloon, surrounded by several slatees who proposed to join the coffle.

From Project Gutenberg

Her load was taken from her and given to another slave, and she was ordered to keep in the front of the coffle.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the slaves, it seems, had hurt his foot, and the night being very dark they soon lost sight of the coffle.

From Project Gutenberg