Translating "Atonement"

"The term in the Hebrew language, which we translate atonement, is copher.

As a verb, it literally signifies to cover; 

and as a noun, a covering; 

generally, whenever the word occurs, something that has given serious offense, and produced a permanent state of variance between the parties is supposed; and then in relation to the party offended, it signifies to pacify, to appease, or to render him propitious; as Gen. xxxii, 20. 'And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me.' 

Eze. xvi, 63. 'That thou mayest remember and be confounded,
and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God.' 

When applied to sin, it signifies to cover, or expiate it; to atone, or make satisfaction for it. 

Ps. xxxii, 1. 'Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.'" J.M. Stephenson