from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
ircop
<messaging> /*r'-kop/ ("{IRC}" + "{op}", but with the,
presumably intentional, alternate analysis "IRC" + "cop")
Someone who is endowed with privileges on {IRC}, not limited
to a particular {channel}. These privileges include {channel
op} privileges in any channel, but also notably include the
ability to disconnect a user from the IRC network.
Ircops are generally people who are in charge of the IRC
{server} at their particular {site}. Compare {op}.
(1997-12-12)