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clap verb (clapped, clapping) 1 tr & intr to strike the palms of (one's hands) together with a loud noise, in order to mark (a rhythm), gain attention, etc. 2 tr & intr to applaud someone or something by clapping. 3 to strike someone softly with the palm of the hand, usually as a friendly gesture. 4 to place forcefully • clapped the book on the table. 5 colloq to put someone suddenly or forcibly (into prison, chains, etc). 6 Scottish to pat • She clapped the friendly dog. noun 1 an act of clapping. 2 the sudden loud explosion of noise made by thunder. clap eyes on someone or something colloq to see or catch sight of them.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon clæppan.
the clap noun, coarse slang a venereal disease, especially gonorrhoea.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: perhaps from French clapoir venereal sore, from clapier brothel.
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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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