copperfasten

/ˈkɑpɚˌfæsn̩/

Etymology

From copper + fasten. From copper sheathing of ship hulls (to protect from damage by marine organisms. Originally copper sheathing but non-copper bolts were used, leading to corrosion. Later copper bolts (fasteners) were also used, eliminating corrosion issues. Literal sense from 18th century, metaphorical sense attested 1948.

copperfasten means to protect the timbers of (a ship) with plates of copper secured with copper nails or bolts. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 91 out of 100.

copperfasten is pronounced /ˈkɑpɚˌfæsn̩/.

verb

To protect the timbers of (a ship) with plates of copper secured with copper nails or bolts.“She is copper-fastened and copper-bottomed, and a remarkable fine ship.”
To reinforce, strengthen; to make permanent, embed.“We had some striking examples of what happens when a guy gets so big for his britches that any pal of his is automatically a copper-fastened genius.”