Copy — Defs

01 n. An abundance or plenty of anything.

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.” — 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.
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. See: Bastard, 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.

Syn. Imitation; transcript; duplicate; counterfeit.

02 v. t. 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…

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.” — 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.

03 v. i. To make a copy or copies; to imitate.

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.