the COFFEE-TREE, in botany, a genus of the pentandra monogyna clasps. The corolla is hypocrateriform; the stamens are above the tube; the berry is below the flower, and contains two seeds, which are arillated. The species are two, viz. the arabica, a native of Arabia and Ethiopia; and the occidentalis, a native of America. The berries of both species have much the same qualities. This fruit is used rather as food than as a medicine. The medical effects expected from it are, to assist digestion, promote the natural secretions, and to prevent or remove a disposition to sleep.

Coffee pays on importation 1l. 13s. 6½d. the hundred weight; the drawback on exportation is 1l. 10s. 2½d. Upon payment of the above duty, the coffee is to be put into warehouses; and upon delivery from thence, if to be consumed in Great Britain, is to pay for every hundred weight 8l. 8s. if of the British plantations in America, and 1l. 4s. if it comes from any other place.

COFFERER of the king's household, a principal officer in the court, next under the comptroller, who, in the counting-house, and elsewhere at other times, has a special charge and oversight of other officers of the house, for their good demeanor and charge in their offices, to all which he pays their wages.