Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COP'TIC, a.

Pertaining to the descendants of the ancient Egyptians, called Copts, or Cophti, as distinct from the Arabians and other inhabitants of modern Egypt. The name is supposed to be taken from Coptos, the metropolis of the Thebaid; as Egypt, Αιγυπτος, is probably from that name; Sanscrit, agupta, inclosed, fortified. So Misraim and Mazor are from ערר to inclose, to bind, to fortify. Whatever may be the origin of Copt, the adjective Coptic now refers to the people called Copts, who are Christians, and to their language. Hence,