Webster's English Dictionary

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could

could \k*d, (')ku.d\  [ME couthe, coude, fr. OE cu-the; akin to OHG 
   konda]could past of CAN  : - used in auxiliary function in the past {he 
   found he ~ go} <(he said he would go if he ~} : and as an alternative to 
   can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present 
   {~ you do this for me} {if you ~ come we would be pleased}