arch. [orig. copesman, f. COPE sb.3 (in possess. cope’s) + MAN: cf. craftsman, tradesman, etc. The later copeman may have been influenced by Du. koopman in same sense: but cf. also copesmate, COPEMATE.]
1. A chapman, merchant, dealer. Obs.
α. 1566. Painter, Pal. Pleas., I. 68 b. And having found a copesman for his great barque, with the money thereof and with other … he bought a small pinnas.
1580. Hollyband, Treas. Fr. Tong, Marchand, a merchant, a chapman, a copesman.
1580. Apol. Prince Orange, in Phenix (1721), I. 520. There is .. no Country, wherein they are not counted for inconstant People, and great Coops-men.
β. 1605. B. Jonson, Volpone, III. v. Wks. (Rtldg.), 191/1. He would have sold his part of Paradise For ready money, had he met a copeman.
1875. Buckland, Log-Bk., 86. When the Copemen arrive in the harbours to sell their goods from the Vessel.
2. (See quot.)
1800. Colquhoun, Comm. Thames, iii. 120. The Copemen or the Receivers of stolen goods on the shores of the river. Ibid., 172. The Copemen provide Bags, Jiggers, Bladders … the Plunder goes on to a great extent in the night.
