Coif (koif), n. [OF. coife, F. coiffe, LL. cofea, cuphia, fr. OHG. kuppa, kuppha, miter, perh. fr. L. cupa tub. See Cup, n.; but cf. also Cop, Cuff the article of dress, Quoif, n.] A cap. Specifically: (a) A close-fitting cap covering the sides of the head, like a small hood without a cape. (b) An official headdress, such as that worn by certain judges in England. [Written also quoif.]
From point and saucy ermine down
To the plain coif and russet gown.
H. Brocke.
The judges,... althout they are not of the first magnitude, nor need be of the degree of the coif, yet are they considerable.
Bacon.