Definition and meaning of clap

ClapClap (klăp), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clapped (klăpt); 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.]
1. 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.

2. 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. Locke

Clap an extinguisher upon your irony. Lamb.

3. To manifest approbation of, by striking the hands together; to applaud; as, to clap a performance.

To clap hands. (a) To pledge faith by joining hands. [Obs.] Shak. (b) To express contempt or derision. [Obs.] Lam. ii. 15. -- To clap hold of, to seize roughly or quickly. -- To clap up. (a) To imprison hastily or without due formality. (b) To make or contrive hastily. [Obs.] “Was ever match clapped up so suddenly?” Shak.

ClapClap (?), v. i.
1. To knock, as at a door. [Obs.] Chaucer.

2. To strike the hands together in applause.

Their ladies bid them clap. Shak.

3. To come together suddenly with noise.

The doors around me clapped. Dryden.

4. To enter with alacrity and briskness; -- with to or into. [Obs.] “Shall we clap into it roundly, without . . . saying we are hoarse?” Shak.

5. To talk noisily; to chatter loudly. [Obs.] Chaucer.

ClapClap (klăp), n.
1. A loud noise made by sudden collision; a bang. “Give the door such a clap, as you go out, as will shake the whole room.” Swift.

2. A burst of sound; a sudden explosion.

Horrible claps of thunder. Hakewill.

3. A single, sudden act or motion; a stroke; a blow.

What, fifty of my followers at a clap! Shak.

4. A striking of hands to express approbation.

Unextrected claps or hisses. Addison.

5. Noisy talk; chatter. [Obs.] Chaucer.

6. (Falconry) The nether part of the beak of a hawk.

Clap dish. See Clack dish, under Clack, n. -- Clap net, a net for taking birds, made to close or clap together.

ClapClap (?), n. [Cf. OF. clapoir.] Gonorrhea.