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.