copybook

[ kop-ee-boo k ]

/ ˈkɒp iˌbʊk /

a book containing models, usually of penmanship, for learners to imitate.

a book for or containing copies, as of documents.

commonplace; stereotyped: a copybook sort of phrase.

Origin of copybook

First recorded in 1550–60; copy + book

Powell is someone who truly "blotted his copybook," as the Brits used to say.

Powell's Lost Cause |W. Patrick Lang |October 20, 2008 |DAILY BEAST
In other words, it involves unusual departures from the conventional or copybook method of forming letters.

Warren Commission (4 of 26): Hearings Vol. IV (of 15) |The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
It is said that in antiquity an ode commencing with the name of Mount Asaka was the first copybook put into the hands of children.

Japanese Literature |Various
He started to his feet as he spoke, upsetting the ink-pot over his own copybook and also over Kitty's white-frilled pinafore.

Red Rose and Tiger Lily |L. T. Meade

Celie Tennant was just looking over the copybook of Cleaver's boy.

Cleg Kelly, Arab of the City |S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett
Those of Collins look as if they were repeating a copybook maxim at a school examination.

The History of Modern Painting, Volume 2 (of 4) |Richard Muther

copybook

/ (ˈkɒpɪˌbʊk) /

a book of specimens, esp of penmanship, for imitation

mainly US a book for or containing documents

blot one's copybook informal to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc

(modifier) trite or unoriginal copybook sentiments