Cope, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Coped p. pr. & vb. n. Coping.]
  1. To exchange or barter. [Obs.]
  2. To encounter; to meet; to have to do with.
  Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man
  As e'er my conversation coped withal.   --Shak.
  3. To enter into or maintain a hostile contest; to struggle; to combat; especially, to strive or contend on equal terms or with success; to match; to equal; -- usually followed by with.
     Host coped with host, dire was the din of war.   --Philips.
     Their generals have not been able to cope with the troops of Athens.   --Addison.