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Webster 1913 Edition

Copper-bottomed

Cop′per-botˊtomed

,
Adj.
Having a bottom made of copper, as a tin boiler or other vessel, or sheathed with copper, as a ship.

Webster 1828 Edition

Copper-bottomed

COPPER-BOTTOMED

,
Adj.
Having a bottom sheathed with copper.

Definition 2024

copper-bottomed

copper-bottomed

See also: copperbottomed

English

The copper-bottom hull of the Cutty Sark

Adjective

copper-bottomed ‎(comparative more copper-bottomed, superlative most copper-bottomed)

  1. Having lower parts made of or covered by copper (especially of a ship or cookware).
  2. (Britain, idiomatic) Thoroughly reliable.
    • 1807, Washington Irving, Salmagundi:[1]
      The copper-bottomed angel at Messrs. Paff’s in Broadway.

Usage notes

Related term copperfasten used with similar meaning, but different nuance – copper-bottomed means “reliable, trustworthy”, while copper-fastened means “secured, unambiguous”.[1]

Related terms

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 “Copper-bottomed”, The Phrase Finder, Gary Martin.

Etymology

From the copper sheathing applied to the bottom of a wooden ship to prevent damage from marine organisms. In literal sense 18th century, in figurative sense attested since at least 1807.[1]

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