E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Coif (1 syl.).
The coif of the old serjeant-at-law was a relic of his ecclesiastical character. The original serjeants-at-law were clerical lawyers, and the coif is the representation of the tonsure.
1
Serjeants of the Coif. Serjeants-at-law (now abolished). (See above.)
