copperplate

Meanings

Noun

• A copper plate, either etched or engraved, to make a recessed pattern.
• A print made from such a plate.
• A style of handwriting based on that used on such prints; English round hand.

Verb

• To engrave on and print from a copperplate.

Origin

• From copper + plate.
• For the plate used for engraving: in the 1660s.
• As a term for the printed product: from 1817.
• Of the especially clear writing used in such prints: from the 1820s.
• Use as a verb (the past participle copperplated) is from 1822.