Chapter Cotillon to Coup d'Etat of C by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Counterscarp in fortification, the side of a ditch next to the open country. The side next to the place fortified is the escarp.

Countess di Civillari (The). A bog, sewer, cesspool, into which falls the filth of a city. Two wags promised Simon da Villa an introduction to the Countess di Civillari, and tossed him, in his scarlet gown, into a ditch where farmers “emptied the Countess of Civillari for manuring their lands.” Here the doctor floundered about half the night, and, having spoilt his robes, made the best of his way home, to be rated soundly by his wife. (Boccaccio: Decameron, Eighth day, ix.)

Country    To appeal to the country. To dissolve Parliament in order to ascertain the wish of the country by a new election of representatives.
   Father of his country. (See Father.)

Country-dance A corruption of the French contre danse (a dance where the partners face each other).

Coup [coo ]. He made a good coup. A good hit or haul. (French.)

Coup d'Etat (French) means a state stroke, and the term is applied to one of those bold measures taken by Government to prevent a supposed or actual danger, as when a large body of men are arrested suddenly for fear they should overturn the Government.
   The famous coup d'état, by which Louis Napoleon became possessed of absolute power, took place on December 2nd, 1851.