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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Copy


COPY, noun [See Cope and Cuff.] Literally, a likeness, or resemblance of any kind. Hence,

1. A writing like another writing; a transcript from an original; or a book printed according to the original; hence, any single book , or set of books, containing a composition resembling the original work; as the copy of a deed, or of a bond; a copy of Addisons works; a copy of the laws; a copy of the scriptures.

2. The form of a picture or statue according to the original; the imitation or likeness of any figure, draught, or almost any object.

3. An original work; the autograph; the archetype. Hence, that which is to be imitated in writing or printing. Let the child write according to the copy The copy is in the hands of the printer. Hence, a pattern or example for imitation. His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.

4. Abundance. [Latin]

COPY, verb transitive

1. To write, print or engrave, according to an original; to form a like work or composition by writing, printing or engraving; to transcribe; often followed by out, but the use is not elegant.

The men of Hezekiah copied certain proverbs of Solomon.

2. To paint or draw according to an original.

3. To form according to a model, as in architecture.

4. To imitate or attempt to resemble; to follow an original or pattern, in manners or course of life. copy the Savior in his humility and obedience.

COPY, verb intransitive To imitate or endeavor to be like; to do any thing in imitation of something else. A painter copies from the life. An obedient child copies after his parent.

They never fail, when they copy to follow the bad as well as the good.