I.that which binds together or binds fast, a band, rope, thong, tie (rare; not in Cic.).
I. Lit.: tortae, ship's rigging, Att. ap. Non. p. 200, 33 (Trag. Rel. v. 577 Rib.); Plaut. Ep. 5, 1, 11: “copulā vinctum ante se Thynem agere,” Nep. Dat. 3, 2; cf.: “copula dura canem tenet,” a leash, Ov. Tr. 5, 9, 28; id. M. 7, 769; App. M. 7, p. 769: “pectora copulae sparteae triturā continuā exulcerati (muli),” id. ib. 9, p. 224 fin.—Of the clasp of a bracelet, Capitol. Max. Jun. 1, 8.—Of grapnel-hooks, etc., by which vessels were held in battle: “eādem de causā minus commode copulis continebantur (naves),” Caes. B. G. 3, 13 ex conj. (MSS. scopulis).—
II. Trop., a bond, tie, connection; of love: “irrupta tenet,” Hor. C. 1, 13, 18: “nuptialis,” App. M. 2, p. 120; so, “copula,” Dig. 5, 4, 24; 5, 4, 26; cf.: “(Hymenaee), copula sacra deum,” Mart. Cap. 1, § 1 Kopp ad loc.—Of friendship: “talium virorum,” Nep. Att. 5, 3.—Of words, Quint. 7, 10, 17; Nigid. ap. Gell. 10, 5, 1: “ut dignitas eloquendi copulationis ipsius decore servetur,” Mart. Cap. 5, § 509.
