I. ˈkü-pər, ˈku̇- noun
Etymology: Middle English couper, cowper, from Middle Dutch cūper (from cūpe cask) or Middle Low German kūper, from kūpe cask; Middle Dutch cūpe & Middle Low German kūpe, from Latin cupa; akin to Greek kypellon cup — more at hive
Date: 14th century
: one that makes or repairs wooden casks or tubs
II. verb
( coo·pered ; coo·per·ing ˈkü-p(ə-)riŋ, ˈku̇-)
Date: 1720
transitive verb
: to work as a cooper on
intransitive verb
: to work at or do coopering