First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1cope
noun \ˈkōp\
: a long, loose piece of clothing that is worn by a priest on special occasions
Full Definition of COPE
1
: a long enveloping ecclesiastical vestment
2
a : something resembling a cope (as by concealing or covering) <the dark sky's starry cope — P. B. Shelley> b : coping
See cope defined for English-language learners
See cope defined for kids
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Origin of COPE
Middle English, from Old English -cāp, from Late Latin cappa head covering
Related to COPE
2cope
verb
copedcop·ing
Definition of COPE
transitive verb
: to cover or furnish with a cope
First Known Use of COPE
14th century
3cope
verb
copedcop·ing
Definition of COPE
intransitive verb
2
a : to maintain a contest or combat usually on even terms or with success —used with with b : to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties —often used with with <learning to cope with the demands of her schedule>
transitive verb
1
obsolete : to meet in combat
2
obsolete : to come in contact with
3
obsolete : match
Origin of COPE
Middle English copen, coupen, from Anglo-French couper to strike, cut, from cop, colp blow, from Late Latin colpus, alteration of Latin colaphus, from Greek kolaphos buffet
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Psychology Terms
4cope
verb
copedcop·ing
Definition of COPE
transitive verb
1
: to shape (a structural member) to fit a coping or conform to the shape of another member
2
: notch
Origin of COPE
probably from French couper to cut
First Known Use: circa 1901
COPE Defined for Kids
cope
verb \ˈkōp\
copedcop·ing
Definition of COPE for Kids
: to deal with and try to find solutions for problems
Medical Dictionary
cope
intransitive verb \ˈkōp\
copedcop·ing
Medical Definition of COPE
: to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties—usually used with with <teachers coping with violence in schools>
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Seen & Heard
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