E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Coup d’Etat (French)
means a state stroke, and the term is applied to one of those bold measures taken by Government to prevent a supposed or actual danger, as when a large body of men are arrested suddenly for fear they should overturn the Government.
1
The famous coup d’état, by which Louis Napoleon became possessed of absolute
power, took place on December 2nd, 1851.
