A companion, friend, or fellow worker with whom one shares an occupation or trade; a partner in dealing or selling.
From cope (to deal, trade, or manage) combined with mate. Used in medieval and early modern English for companions in the same profession or business.
The word 'mate' originally meant someone you shared a meal with (meal-mate), so 'copemate' was your business partner—someone you shared professional meals and deals with!
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