Couch \Couch\, n. [F. couche, OF. colche, culche, fr.
         colchier.
   See Couch,
         v. t. ]
   1. A bed or place for repose or sleep;
         particularly, in the
      United States, a lounge.
     
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            Gentle sleep . . . why liest thou with the vile
            In loathsome beds, and leavest the kingly couch?
                                                  --Shak.
     
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            Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch
            About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
                                                  --Bryant.
     
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   2. Any place for repose, as the lair of
         a beast, etc.
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   3. A mass of
         steeped barley spread upon a floor to germinate,
      in
         malting; or the floor occupied by the barley; as, couch
   
           of malt.
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   4. (Painting &
         Gilding) A preliminary layer, as of color,
      size,
         etc.
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