Literary notes about copulate (AI summary)
The term copulate is used in literature both as a technical descriptor of sexual union and as a term charged with moral or metaphorical nuance. In naturalist and zoological texts, it is employed in a straightforward manner to denote the physical act of mating among animals, as in discussions of seasonal behaviors and reproductive patterns [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Its use extends to religious and ethical writings where it often conveys prohibitions or moral judgments on unconventional unions [6, 7, 8]. Additionally, some works incorporate the verb in a broader, more metaphorical sense to illustrate union or contrast with other forces, blending scientific observations with cultural commentary [9, 10, 11]. Even dictionary-like definitions within literature stress its role in the unification of distinct entities, both literal and figurative [12, 13].
- These animals copulate in the month of March, and being formed like the dog they do not separate for some time.
— from Buffon's Natural History. Volume 09 (of 10)
Containing a Theory of the Earth, a General History of Man, of the Brute Creation, and of Vegetables, Minerals, &c. &c by Buffon, Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de - They copulate in spring, and bring forth in summer; commonly five or six at a time.
— from Buffon's Natural History. Volume 08 (of 10)
Containing a Theory of the Earth, a General History of Man, of the Brute Creation, and of Vegetables, Minerals, &c. &c by Buffon, Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de - The brown and grizly bear begin to copulate.
— from History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark, Vol. II
To the Sources of the Missouri, Thence Across the Rocky Mountains and Down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean.
Performed During the Years 1804-5-6. by William Clark - They copulate in spring, when the males will fiercely contend on the roofs and sheds for the female.
— from Buffon's Natural History. Volume 06 (of 10)
Containing a Theory of the Earth, a General History of Man, of the Brute Creation, and of Vegetables, Minerals, &c. &c by Buffon, Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de - On emerging the young are already provided with four pairs of legs and copulate soon after birth.
— from The Animal Parasites of Man by Fred. V. (Frederick Vincent) Theobald - A woman shall not lie down to a beast, nor copulate with it: because it is a heinous crime.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - He that shall copulate with any beast or cattle, dying let him die: the beast also ye shall kill.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Thou shalt not copulate with any beast: neither shalt thou be defiled with it.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - But if the force of custom simple and separate, be great, the force of custom copulate and conjoined and collegiate, is far greater.
— from The Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral by Francis Bacon - —The fact that there are men who for several years can copulate several times a day proves to what extent sexual power varies in man.
— from The Sexual QuestionA Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel - They make the microscope and the catechism copulate; their philosophy and their police systems live in mésalliance .
— from The Goose Man by Jakob Wassermann - Copulate : to unite in sexual intercourse.
— from Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by John Bernhard Smith - Copulate , v. To come together as different sexes.
— from The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom
compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modern by W. H. (William Hamilton) Maxwell