< messaging > /*r'-kop/ (" IRC " + " op ", but with the, presumably intentional, alternate analysis "IRC" + "cop") Someone who is endowed with privileges on IRC , not limited to a particular channel . These privileges include channel op privileges in any channel, but also notably include the ability to disconnect a user from the IRC network.
Ircops are generally people who are in charge of the IRC server at their particular site . Compare op .
(1997-12-12)