n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: copped ; cop · ping
Etymology: perhaps from Dutch kapen to steal, from Frisian k ā pia to buy; akin to Old High German kouf trade ― more at CHEAP
Date: 1704
transitive verb
1 slang : to get hold of : CATCH , CAPTURE also : PURCHASE
2 slang : STEAL , SWIPE
3 : ADOPT 2 < cop an attitude>
intransitive verb slang : ADMIT 2B ― used with to <these small-timers would ⋯ cop to the smallest offense their attorney could negotiate ― Tom Clancy>
– cop a plea : to plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid standing trial for a more serious one broadly : to admit fault and plead for mercy