What is a Copestone?

Copestone is a noun that refers to the topmost course of stones or bricks in a wall, especially one that forms the finish or cap of a building. It is also known as a coping stone or a finishing stone. The term is often used in masonry and construction to describe the final layer of material that is placed on top of a wall to complete it and provide a smooth, even surface.

The word "copestone" has been in use since the 14th century, and it is derived from the Old English words "cope," meaning "covering" or "roof," and "stone," meaning "a stone or rock." Over time, the term has evolved to include a variety of materials beyond just stones, such as bricks, tiles, and other types of building materials.

In addition to its use in construction, the term "copestone" can also be used more broadly to describe the final layer or surface of any structure or object, such as the copestone of a cake or the copestone of a project. In this sense, the word is often used metaphorically to refer to the finishing touches or the culmination of a process.