Pronunciation: [kˈuːpt] (IPA) 
The word "couped" is pronounced as koopt and spelled as c-o-u-p-e-d. It is a past tense form of the verb "coupe", which means to shorten or cut off abruptly. The word is commonly used in heraldry to describe an animal whose head and neck have been cut off in displaying an emblem. The spelling of "couped" is consistent with the English language's rules for past tense endings, where the suffix "-ed" is added to the base form of a verb.
"Couped" is an adjective that originates from the heraldic term "couped," used in the field of heraldry to describe an animal or plant that appears on a coat of arms with its body severed cleanly from its natural limb or stalk. In heraldry, the term conveys the image of a figure displayed or arranged with cut-off extremities, leaving a sharp, straight edge.
In a broader sense, outside of heraldry, "couped" is used to describe any object or element that has a clean, straight-edged cut, with a distinct separation from its original form. This term often refers to items such as gemstones, diamonds, or precious stones that have been precision-cut to enhance their brilliance and shape. Additionally, "couped" can also denote the cut of items such as crystals or glassware, where a sharp, straight edge is intentionally created.
In the context of personal appearance, "couped" can be used to describe a particular hairstyle where the hair is cut short and straight across, usually at the neck or above the ears. This term can also apply to abbreviated or clipped versions of facial hair, such as a goatee that is cut close to the face, without any trailing hair.
Overall, "couped" characterizes objects or elements that reflect a sharp, precise, and defined separation or cut, conveying an image of geometric cleanliness and symmetry.
The word "couped" comes from the Middle English word "copen", which originated from the Old French word "coper" or "couper". In Old French, "couper" meant "to cut". Over time, the term "couper" came to be used in heraldry to describe a charge or design that is depicted as cut off or abbreviated. This term was later anglicized to "couped" and adopted into English heraldic terminology. In heraldry, "couped" is used to describe the depiction of a plant or animal with its body truncated or cut off cleanly, usually shown without legs or a tail. Also, it is used in the context of animals shown with a clean, horizontal cut through the middle of the body.
