[quote=@Guilty Spark]
[quote=@Melkor]
A familiar is basically a spirit-like copy of something rather than the real thing. I see now that it is the copy half of it, which is what I was asking.
[/quote]

That's not what a familiar is by any definition I know. A familiar is usually a demon, spirit, or magically sentient animal which becomes the personal servant/companion of a magic user.
[/quote]

If that is correct then I submit. I have been using the wrong definition.