couch
UK[kaʊtʃ]US[kaʊtʃ]
n
A long, comfortable piece of furniture for two or more people to sit or lie on.
v
To express something in a particular style or with particular words.
Etymology
The word 'couch' entered English in the 14th century from the Anglo-Norman French 'couche', itself from the verb 'coucher', meaning 'to lay down'. This verb traces back to the Latin 'collocare', a compound of 'com-' (together) and 'locare' (to place). The semantic journey moved from the general act of placing or laying something down, to specifically laying down a person to rest, and finally to the piece of furniture designed for that purpose. The verbal sense, 'to express in words', retains the original idea of 'laying down' or 'placing' thoughts into a formulated statement.
Analysis
The modern English word 'couch' is a simplex form derived as a whole from Old French. Its core morpheme is the Anglo-Norman/Old French 'couche', meaning a bed or layer.
Examples
They spent the evening talking on the couch.
The diplomat carefully couched his criticism in polite language.
The therapist's office had a comfortable leather couch.