Lexic.us

Definition of Coup de theatre

1. Noun. A dramatic surprise.

2. Noun. A sensational bit of stagecraft.

3. Noun. A highly successful theatrical production.

Definition of Coup de theatre

1. Noun. A sudden or unexpected event in a play, pulled off by the author, the director, or even an actor. ¹

2. Noun. A theatrical trick or gesture, something staged for dramatic effect. ¹

3. Noun. (alternative spelling of coup de théâtre) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Coup De Theatre

coup coup d'arret coup d'etat coup d'oeil coup d'œil coup d'état coup d'états coup de force coup de foudre coup de grace

coup de grâce coup de main coup de maitre coup de sabre coup de theatre (current term) coup de théâtre coup injury of brain coup stick coup sticks coupage

coupe couped coupee coupees coupelike couper coupers coupes couping coupla

Literary usage of Coup de theatre

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Record of the Boston Stage by William Warland Clapp (1853)
"Proposed Launch of the Frigate Constitution, and a Managerial Coup de Theatre.—A Patriotic Song. —• .Destruction of the Federal Street Theatre by Fire. ..."

2. Biographical and Critical Essays: Reprinted from Reviews, with Additions and by Abraham Hayward (1873)
"... such a coup de theatre would hardly have been hazarded if Richard either presented no resemblance or a miniature and caricature one of his father. ..."

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