ope

I came across your site when searching for the origin of "ope".

languagehat.com: (H)OPE. 2005

So it appears the two words originally had two distinct meanings – "ope" possibly meant a fissure in a rock? and "hope" meant a valley, but these distinctions have since on the whole been blurred.

languagehat.com: (H)OPE. 2005

These are ancient and may have Scandinavian origins - they are all recessed beaches coves, landing places or access ways: This points to 'ope' being an opening for landing, and I am sure William Barnes was right.

languagehat.com: (H)OPE. 2005

"I can't see 'im nowhere, I' ope 'e ain't gone overboard, poor little chap."

More Cargoes 1897 1903

"I do 'ope' e ain't been layin '' is 'and on yer."

Essays in Rebellion Henry W. Nevinson 1900

I 'ope' e's got summat in 'is pockets arter we've bin takin' all this trouble. "

Combed Out Frederick Augustus Voigt 1924

I 'ope's it do, for love's a pretty thing when you're young -- I know, for I was young once -- aye an' 'ansome too, I was -- "

Peregrine's Progress Jeffery Farnol 1915

I 'ope' e ain't gone overboard, pore little chap. "

Sea Urchins 1903

MRS. STUBBS: "Well, I 'ope' e'd better luck with 'is than I' ave.

Mr. Punch's History of the Great War 1900

_ "Well, I 'ope' e'd better luck with 'is than I' ave.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, March 29, 1916 Various 1898