slang. [app. f. COP v.3; but other conjectures have been offered.] A policeman; also attrib., as in copperstick, a policeman’s truncheon.
1859. Matsell, Rogue’s Lex., 21 (Farmer).
1864. Manchester Courier, 13 June (Farmer). As they pass a policeman they will … exhibit a copper coin, which is equivalent to calling the officer copper.
1882. Standard, 13 Jan., 2/7. Remarking that Withers and his brother constables were only ‘coppers out of uniform.’ Ibid., 4 Sept., 2/5. A crowd followed, shouting out … ‘Kick the Coppers.’
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 22 Nov., 6/1. Specials … with ‘copper’ sticks in hand.
