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Cop(A). A policeman. Cop(A). A copperhead (q.v.). CopTo throw, as cop it here. The word properly means to beat or strike, as to cop a shuttlecock or ball with a bat. (Greek, copto, to beat); but in Norfolk it means to “hull” or throw. Cop(To). To catch [a fever, etc.]. To “get copped” is to get caught by the police. (Latin, capere, to take, etc.) A similar change of a into o is in cotched (caught). They thought I was sleepin', ye know, And they sed as I'd copped it o' Jim; Well, it come like a bit of a blow, For I watched by the deathbed of him. Sims: Dagonet Ballads (The Last Letter). “ `I shall cut this to-morrow, ...” said the younger man. “ `You'll be copped, then,' replied the other.” —T. Terrell: Lady Delmar. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Cop from Fact Monster:
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