From the puzzled looks on our faces the phrase needed to be looked up and the etymology considered.
Translated literally is means the blow/hit of the stirrup. Strange, isn't it?
Interestingly, the phrase comes from the time of Napoleon and, specifically refers to the Cassocks who fought in the Napoleonic wars. They would use the cup of the stirrups where they placed the toe of their boots as a vessel to drink from.
I can't imagine the dirt and filth such a cup had, but, we're talking former times and perhaps sanitation wasn't what it might be today. Before charging (quite literally) into battle, they would fill their stirrup cups with vodka and drink the contents comme un coup ou comme un cannon.
It finally dawns on us that un coup de l’étrier refers to one (last drink) for the road.
We'll have to remember this one. It might prove useful.
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