noun / verb
cooper
KOO-pur/ˈkuːpər/
A person who makes or repairs barrels, or the work of doing so.
The cooper uses a mallet to fit a metal hoop around the barrel.
Etymology
The cask or vat base makes this an occupational name for someone who makes such vessels. This follows the possible Low German analysis; the source also allows an unattested Old English origin.
In context
all round the hoops, rap, rap, go as many hammers as can play upon them, for now, ex officio, every sailor is a cooper. At length, when the last pint is casked
More examples
- Skilled coopers keep the winery's barrels in good condition.
- She coopers oak barrels for a local distillery.
- They coopered the leaking cask instead of replacing it.
Forms
cooper · coopers · coopered · coopering
cooperage noun — The craft of making and repairing barrels.
Similar words
- barrel maker
- Emphasizes making barrels rather than repairing existing ones.