Copts. Christian descendants of the ancient [Egyptians] (q.v.), of middle stature, slender limbs, and pale complexion, who inhabit Egypt, and preserve the language and customs of the last period of ancient Egyptian civilisation. They are essentially townsmen, clerks, or artisans.
Coras. See [OPATA-PIMA].
Cornish. A race of Brythonic or P Celts, akin to Welsh and Bretons, inhabiting Cornwall in earlier times; now absorbed in English stock. Their language became extinct in seventeenth or eighteenth century. The crossing of the Cornish Celts with Anglo-Saxons has given birth to a singularly fine race of hardy fishermen and miners.
Corsicans. The aborigines of Corsica were probably a Western Hamitic race, allied to the [Ligurians] (q.v.). They were followed by Ionian invaders, and in turn by Carthaginian, Roman, Vandal, Hun, Gothic, Saracenic, and Italian conquerors, each of whom has added something to the mixture of blood in the modern Corsicans, a turbulent, lawless, and warlike race (now belonging to France), whose greatest son was Napoleon.
Costa Ricans. White natives of Costa Rica, in Central America, mostly of pure Spanish descent.
Crees. See [ALGONQUIAN].
Creek Indians. See [MUSKHOGEAN].
Creoles. Persons born in past or present French, Spanish, or Portuguese colonies, of pure European descent.
Cretans. An ancient race of prehistoric culture [see [MYCENÆANS]]; in modern times chiefly Greek, mixed with Turk.
Croats. Inhabitants of Croatia, now mainly of Slavonic race, mingled with an earlier short, dark race of non-Aryan descent. One of the motley races of the Austrian Empire. They are warlike, turbulent, and eager for independence.