copperfasten
verbUS /ˈkɑpɚˌfæsn̩/ · UK /ˈkɒpəˌfɑːsn̩/
Etymology From copper + fasten. From copper sheathing of ship hulls (to protect from damage by marine organisms. Originally copper sheathing but non-copper bolts were used, leading to corrosion. Later copper bolts (fasteners) were also used, eliminating corrosion issues. Literal sense from 18th century, metaphorical sense attested 1948.
1
Historical To protect the timbers of (a ship) with plates of copper secured with copper nails or bolts.
- She is copper-fastened and copper-bottomed, and a remarkable fine ship.1796, The Hull Advertiser, 9th July 1796
2
Ireland, UK, Figuratively To reinforce, strengthen; to make permanent, embed.
- We had some striking examples of what happens when a guy gets so big for his britches that any pal of his is automatically a copper-fastened genius.1948, The Evening Independent, November 1948
- This brings to an end a ten-year campaign by Pol O Murchú and other Irish language activists to copperfasten rights to have Irish language legislation made available […]2010 “Supreme Court rules on law translation”, RTÉ News, May 6, 2010
- Related terms
- copper-bottomed, nail down, pin down