Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Friction is the resistive force that opposes the relative motion of two contacting surfaces.
The maximum value of static frictional force that comes into play before motion begins is called the limiting force of friction.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to the laws of dry friction (Coulomb friction), the limiting force of friction (\( F_{\text{limiting}} \)) is directly proportional to the normal reaction force (\( R_N \)) acting perpendicular to the contact surfaces.
\[ F_{\text{limiting}} \propto R_N \]
\[ F_{\text{limiting}} = \mu R_N \]
The proportionality constant \( \mu \) is the coefficient of friction.
Therefore, the coefficient of friction is defined as the ratio of the limiting force of friction to the normal reaction force between the two bodies.
\[ \mu = \frac{F_{\text{limiting}}}{R_N} \]
This matches option 4.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the force of limiting friction to the normal reaction between the two bodies.