The Collaborative International Dictionary
Clap \Clap\ (kl[a^]p), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clapped (kl[a^]pt); p. pr. & vb. n. Clapping.] [AS. clappan; akin to Icel. & Sw. klappa, D, klappen, to clap, prate, G. klaffen, v. i., to split open, yelp, klopfen, v. t. & i., to knock.]
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To strike; to slap; to strike, or strike together, with a quick motion, so, as to make a sharp noise; as, to clap one's hands; a clapping of wings.
Then like a bird it sits and sings, And whets and claps its silver wings.
--Marvell. -
To thrust, drive, put, or close, in a hasty or abrupt manner; -- often followed by to, into, on, or upon.
He had just time to get in and clap to the door.
--LockeClap an extinguisher upon your irony.
--Lamb. -
To manifest approbation of, by striking the hands together; to applaud; as, to clap a performance. To clap hands.
To pledge faith by joining hands. [Obs.]
--Shak.-
To express contempt or derision. [Obs.] --Lam. ii. 15. To clap hold of, to seize roughly or quickly. To clap up.
To imprison hastily or without due formality.
To make or contrive hastily. [Obs.] ``Was ever match clapped up so suddenly?''
--Shak.