Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Copy?

\Cop"y\ (k[o^]p"[y^]), n.; pl. {Copies} (-[i^]z). [F. copie, fr. L. copia abundance, number, LL. also, a transcript; co- + the root of opes riches. See {Opulent}, and cf. {Copious}.] 1. An abundance or plenty of anything. [Obs.] She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus. --B. Jonson. 2. An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue. I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original. --Denham. 3. An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison. 4. That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation. Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters. --Holder. 5. (print.) Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy. 6. A writing paper of a particular size. Same as {Bastard}. See under {Paper}. 7. Copyhold; tenure; lease. [Obs.] --Shak. {Copy book}, a book in which copies are written or printed for learners to imitate. {Examined copies} (Law), those which have been compared with the originals. {Exemplified copies}, those which are attested under seal of a court. {Certified or Office} {copies}, those which are made or attested by officers having charge of the originals, and authorized to give copies officially. --Abbot. Syn: Imitation; transcript; duplicate; counterfeit.
\Cop"y\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Copied}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Copying}.] [Cf. F. copir, fr. LL. copiare. See {Copy}, n.] 1. To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; -- often with out, sometimes with off. I like the work well; ere it be demanded (As like enough it will), I'd have it copied. --Shak. Let this be copied out, And keep it safe for our remembrance. --Shak. 2. To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life. We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation. --Stewart.
\Cop"y\, v. i. 1. To make a copy or copies; to imitate. 2. To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well. Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things. --Dryden.