I. ˈklap verb
( clapped also clapt ; clap·ping )
Etymology: Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan to throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2.
a. : to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause
b. : applaud
3. : to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way
clapped his friend on the shoulder
4. : to place, put, or set especially energetically
clap him into jail
since I first clapped eyes on it
5. : to improvise or build hastily
a hut clapped together from old plywood
intransitive verb
1. : to produce a percussive sound ; especially : slam
2. : to go abruptly or briskly
3. : applaud
II. noun
Date: 13th century
1. : a device that makes a clapping noise
2. obsolete : a sudden stroke of fortune and especially ill fortune
3. : a loud percussive noise ; specifically : a sudden crash of thunder
4.
a. : a sudden blow
b. : a friendly slap
a clap on the back
5. : the sound of clapping hands ; especially : applause
III. noun
Etymology: Middle French clapoir bubo
Date: 1587
: gonorrhea — often used with the