a. Obs. Also 6 coperous. [In sense 1 perh. related to F. couperose (Paré, 16th c.) the disease COPPER-NOSE; in sense 2 app. related to COPPERAS, F. couperose; though in both there was prob. association with copper: sense 3 is perh. immed. f. COPPER + -OUS for cuprous.]
1. Of the nature of, or affected with, the disease Acne rosacea or COPPER-NOSE.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg., Q iv b. Blacke coperous skal and scabbe in the face.
1544. Phaër, Regim. Lyfe (1546), C j. A general diete for al copperous faces.
2. Of or belonging to copperas or vitriol.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., VI. xii. 336. A vitriolous or copperous quality; for vitrioll is the active … ingredient in Inke.
3. ? Coppery, cuprous.
1834. Beckford, Italy, II. 8. Funnels that exhale warm copperous vapours.
