plural of coup d'état

(politics, government) The sudden overthrow of a government, differing from a revolution by being carried out by a small group of people who replace only the leading figures.

Alternative form of coup d'oeil

(fencing) A counter-attack that attempts to take advantage of an uncertain attack

Alternative form of coup d'état

A glimpse, a glance; the ability, especially of a military officer, to understand much at a glance.

plural of palace coup

A (usually non-violent) coup d'état carried out by people who were already part of the group in power before the coup.

(informal, politics) a military coup d'état instigated by a group of unit commanders, a faction of the military, and not the military establishment

(informal, politics) A military coup d'état instigated by the military establishment (or a majority of it), not just a faction of the military.