[A modification of the earlier COPIST, brought into more obvious relation to COPY v.] One who copies or imitates; esp. one whose occupation is to transcribe documents.
1699. Bentley, Phal., 475. An Error of the Copyists.
1725–7. Blackwall, Sacr. Class., II. 217 (T.). The first may be ascribed to the copyist’s haste, negligence, or ignorance.
1756. J. Warton, Ess. Pope (1782), I. 9 (T.). No original writer ever remained so unrivalled by succeeding copyists, as [Theocritus].
1762–71. H. Walpole, Vertue’s Anecd. Paint. (1786), V. 36. A faithfull copyist of ancient buildings, tombs, and prospects.
1813. T. Jefferson, Writ. (1830), IV. 210. Excepting England and her copyist, the United States, there is not a nation existing, I believe, which tolerates a paper circulation.
1875. Scrivener, Lect. Grk. Test., 5. Some of the original words or letters will have been mistaken by the copyist.
