Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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verb
To protect the timbers of (a ship) with plates of copper secured with copper nails or bolts.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: historical, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To reinforce, strengthen; to make permanent, embed.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Ireland, UK, figuratively, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
From copper + fasten. From copper sheathing of ship hulls (to protect from damage by marine organisms. Originally copper sheathing but non-copper bolts were used, leading to corrosion. Later copper bolts (fasteners) were also used, eliminating corrosion issues. Literal sense from 18th century, metaphorical sense attested 1948.
