Copper, a halfpenny. Coppers, mixed pence.
Coppernose, a nose which is supposed to show a partiality on its owner’s part for strong drink. Synonymous with “jolly nose.” Grog-blossoms are the jewels often set in a jolly nose.
Copus, a Cambridge drink, consisting of ale combined with spices, and varied by spirits, wines, &c. Corruption of HIPPOCRAS.
Corduroy roads, an American term for the rough roads made by simply laying logs along a clearing.
Corinthianism, a term derived from the classics, much in vogue some years ago, implying pugilism, high life, “sprees,” roystering, &c.—Shakspeare, 1 Hen. IV. ii. 4. The immorality of Corinth was proverbial in Greece. Κορινθιάζεσθαι, to Corinthianize, indulge in the company of courtezans, was a Greek slang expression. Hence the proverb—
Οὐ παντὸς ἀνδρὸς εἰς Κόρινθον ἔσθ᾿ ὁ πλοῦς;
and Horace, Epist. lib. 1, xvii. 36—
“Non cuivis hommi contingit adire Corinthum,”
in allusion to the spoliation practised by the “hetæræ” on those who visited them. Pierce Egan, in his Life in London, is responsible for a deal of the modern use of this word; and after him Bell’s Life, as the oracle of Corinthian sport, was not idle.
Cork, a broken man, a bankrupt. Probably intended to refer to his lightness, as being without “ballast.”