A surname, also the plural of 'coat'; refers to outer garments or surface coverings.
As a surname, from Middle English cote meaning 'cottage' or from Old French cote meaning 'coat'. As plural, from Old French cote meaning 'tunic, coat'.
The surname Coates often indicated someone who lived in or near cottages, while the word 'coats' gives us fascinating compounds like 'coating' and 'sugar-coat'. The metaphorical use of 'coat' for any covering layer shows how clothing terms expand to describe other protective surfaces.
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