Falconry. [f. COPE v.4 + -ING1.] The cutting of a hawk’s beak or talons. Hence coping-iron, an instrument for doing this.

1

1575.  [see COPE v.4].

2

1688.  R. Holme, Armoury, II. 238/2. Coping-Irons are Instruments used in coping or paring of Hawks Beaks, Pounces, and Talons.

3

1855–83.  Salvin & Brodrick, Falconry in Brit. Isles, Gloss. 150.

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