cosher: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ / Very RareLiterary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “cosher” mean?
To treat with indulgence or special favour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To treat with indulgence or special favour; to pamper.
A chiefly historical term used to describe an Irish chieftain extorting free quarters and provisions from his tenants or subjects. By extension, it can mean to obtain something by force or imposition, but its modern surviving use is almost exclusively in the 'pamper' sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight edge in historical/archival usage in British English due to Irish history context. In modern usage, equally rare in both variants.
Connotations
In a modern context, the 'pamper' meaning often carries a slightly negative or ironic connotation, suggesting overindulgence. Historically, it connotes tyrannical exploitation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely to be encountered in historical novels or texts than in modern speech or writing.
Grammar
How to Use “cosher” in a Sentence
[Subj] + cosher + [Obj]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosher” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the long journey, she decided to cosher herself with a hot bath and fine chocolates.
- The old lord was known to cosher his favourite hounds, feeding them from his own plate.
American English
- He loves to cosher his grandchildren with toys and sweets whenever they visit.
- The historical text described how the chieftain would cosher his subjects for supplies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies discussing pre-modern Irish social structures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might be used facetiously by a highly literate speaker.
Technical
No technical application.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cosher”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cosher”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosher”
- Confusing spelling with 'kosher' (adjective meaning conforming to Jewish law).
- Using it in an active context without an object (e.g., 'She tends to cosher' is incomplete; needs 'She tends to cosher her dog').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are false friends. 'Kosher' is from Hebrew via Yiddish, meaning fit or proper according to Jewish law. 'Cosher' is of Irish Gaelic origin.
Yes, but it often carries a nuance of excessive or potentially weakening indulgence. 'She coshered the rescued puppy' implies loving care, but possibly over-the-top.
It is extremely rare and is considered archaic or literary. You are unlikely to hear it in everyday conversation.
It referred to the practice of Irish chieftains demanding free food and lodging from their tenants as a form of exaction or tribute.
To treat with indulgence or special favour.
Cosher is usually literary, historical in register.
Cosher: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cosher up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COW being SHER-hered (shepherded) with extreme care and indulgence – the farmer is COSHERing the cow.
Conceptual Metaphor
TREATMENT IS NOURISHMENT / AUTHORITY IS EXPLOITATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern meaning of 'to cosher'?