COUCH (3)

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