COPTS

(from Arab. Kibt, from Gk. Aigyptiot, Egyptians), Christian sect of modern Egyptians, descended from ancient Egyptians; probably, except for early Gk. intermixture, pure race, as religious differences prevented intermarriage with Arabs. They constitute le than one-fourteenth population of Egypt, greater number of inhabitants embracing Mohammedanism after Arab invasion ‘and losing appellation ‘Egyptians;’ distants, who also preserve Egyptian type with Arab intermixture, by smaller build and pallor, due perhaps to their refusal to perform rougher kinds of labor, and their employment as fine craftsmen, clerks, etc. Egypt was Christian i zed at an early date; the religious difference which made C’s distinct people broke out in V. cent.; Council of Chaicedon, 451, condemned Monophysitism. C’s clung to this heresy, and have ever since made it cardinal doctrine; separated from general progre of Church, their ritual is interesting as preserving ancient forms; influence of Brit. occupation has been to modify Coptic characteristics in dre , customs, and religious conservatism. Language is ancient Egyptian modified by Gk., there being formerly many dialects; not employed in Lower Egypt since X. cent., nor Upper Egypt since XIV.; preserved in le ons of Christian service, but afterwards explained in Arabic, their present tongue; handwriting keeps Gk. uncial; lit. chiefly patristic.