copybook I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun 1.: a book containing copies (as of accounts) 2.: a book formerly used in elementary schools containing samples of penmanship (as in the form of proverbs or moral precepts) for the learner to imitate II. adjective : characterized by conventionality or triteness < old-fashioned standards of morality and copybook virtues — Lucius Garvin > < copybook maxims >