coping saw

American  

noun

1. a saw consisting of a thin, light blade held, under tension, in a U -shaped frame that has a handle: used for cutting small curves in wood.

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coping saw British  

noun

1. a handsaw with a U-shaped frame used for cutting curves in a material too thick for a fret saw

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Etymology

Origin of coping saw

First recorded in 1930–35

Compare meaning

How does coping-saw compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fret saw vs. coping saw

Example Sentences

A simple handsaw, such as a hacksaw or coping saw, should work fine.

From Washington Post • Aug. 22, 2021

I used my father’s little coping saw to cut them into circles.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

Saw out the parts with a coping saw.

From Primary Handwork by Dobbs, Ella Victoria

Cutting Small Wheels.—A circle of the desired size wheel may be laid out on the wood with the aid of a compass, and cut in the outline with a coping saw or band saw.

From Advanced Toy Making for Schools by Mitchell, David M.

Use a coping saw to cut out the base.

From The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming. by Shaw, Ellen Eddy