[f. COP sb.2 3 + -ING1.] Spinning. The formation of ‘cops’ of thread. Used attrib., chiefly in the names of parts of the machine connected with the formation of the ‘cops,’ as copping-beam, -part, -rail, etc.
1793. Specif. Tate’s Patent, No. 1938. 3. The moveable rail … which … gives that motion necessary to wind the thread with exactness upon the bobbin (which amongst spinners is termed the copping part).
1805. Specif. Earl of Dundonald’s Patent, No. 2896. 2. The bobbin does not rest on or touch the copping rail.
1875. Ure, Dict. Arts, I. 992. The range upon which the threads should be wound, in order to form a conical cop upon the spindle, is hit by depressing the copping wire to various angles. Ibid., III. 877. There is a copping motion connected with the machine.
