The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Couple-close \Cou"ple-close`\ (k[u^]p"'l*kl[=o]s`), n.; pl.
   Couple-closes (k[u^]p"'l*kl[=o]"s[e^]z).
   1. (Her.) A diminutive of the chevron, containing one fourth
      of its surface. Couple-closes are generally borne one on
      each side of a chevron, and the blazoning may then be
      either a chevron between two couple-closes or chevron
      cottised.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Arch.) A pair of rafters framed together with a tie fixed
      at their feet, or with a collar beam. [Engl.]
      [1913 Webster]