Copy /(kŏp"y̆)/

Cop·y

Copy

n.

pl. Copies ((-ĭz))

  1. An abundance or plenty of anything. [Obs.]
    She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
  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.
  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. Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy. (print.)
  6. A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
  7. Copyhold; tenure; lease. [Obs.]

Phrases & Compounds
Copy book
a book in which copies are written or printed for learners to imitate.
Examined copies
those which have been compared with the originals.
Exemplified copies
those which are attested under seal of a court.
Certified copies
those which are made or attested by officers having charge of the originals, and authorized to give copies officially.

Copy

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Copied; p. pr. & vb. n. Copying

  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.
    Let this be copied out, And keep it safe for our remembrance.
  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.

Copy

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.