–noun

1.	the skin of an animal, with the hair removed, prepared for use by tanning or a similar process designed to preserve it against decay and make it pliable or supple when dry.

2.	an article made of this material.

3.	stirrup leather.

–adjective

4.	pertaining to, made of, or resembling leather: leather processing; leather upholstery.

5.	Slang. catering to or patronized by customers who typically wear leather clothing, often as a means of signaling interest in or preference for sadomasochistic sexual activity.

–verb (used with object)

6.	to cover or furnish with leather.

7.	Informal. to beat with a leather strap.

–noun

1.	a piece of furni 5f7 ture for seating from two to four people, typically in the form of a bench with a back, sometimes having an armrest at one or each end, and partly or wholly upholstered and often fitted with springs, tailored cushions, skirts, etc.; sofa.

2.	a similar article of furniture, with a headrest at one end, on which some patients of psychiatrists or psychoanalysts lie while undergoing treatment.

3.	a bed or other place of rest; a lounge; any place used for repose.

4.	the lair of a wild beast.

5.	Brewing. the frame on which barley is spread to be malted.

6.	Papermaking. the board or felt blanket on which wet pulp is laid for drying into paper sheets.

7.	Fine Arts. a primer coat or layer, as of paint.

–verb (used with object)

8.	to arrange or frame (words, a sente 3e8 nce, etc.); put into words; express: a simple request couched in respectful language.

9.	to express indirectly or obscurely: the threat couched under his polite speech.

10.	to lower or bend down, as the head.

11.	to lower (a spear, lance, etc.) to a horizontal position, as for attack.

12.	to put or lay down, as for rest or sleep; cause to lie down.

13.	to lay or spread flat.

14.	Papermaking. to eda transfer (a sheet of pulp) from the wire to the couch.

15.	to embroider by couching.

16.	Archaic. to hide; conceal.

–verb (used without object)

17.	to lie at rest or asleep; repose; recline.

18.	to crouch; bend; stoop.

19.	to lie in ambush or in hiding; lurk.

20.	to lie in a heap for decomposition or fermentation, as leaves.

—Idiom

21.	on the couch, Informal. undergoing psychiatric or psychoanalytic treatment.