slang. [Cf. COP v.3 and COPPER4.] A policeman.

1

1859.  Matsell, Rogue’s Lex., 124 (Farmer). Oh! where will be … all the cops and beaks so knowin’ A hundred stretches hence?

2

1867.  F. H. Ludlow, Brace of Boys, 262. ‘What’s a “cop?”’ ‘That’s what the boys call a policeman.’

3

1883.  J. Hay, Bread-Winners, 221. ‘Who’s afraid of half-a-dozen cops?’ said a burly ruffian, who carried a slung-shot.

4


  Cop sb.6 dial. = COB sb.8, a blow.

5

1884.  in Cheshire Gloss.

6


  Cop, var. of COPE sb.4; erroneous singular of COPS, COPSE.

7