Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COP'Y, n. [Fr. copie; Arm. copy; It. copia; Sp. and Port. copia; Ir. coib, coibeadh. This word is from the root of cope, in the sense of likeness, resemblance, Ar. كَفَي kafai, to be like; or it is from doubling, and the root of cuff, Ar. كَافَ kaifa. Class Gb, No. 50. 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 Addison's 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. [L. copia.] [Obs.]