I. ˈklipə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English clippere, from clippen to clip (cut) + -ere -er
1. : one that clips especially as a livelihood: as
a. : one that clips coins
b. : one that shears sheep
c. : any of various workers who cut fur from pelts, ravelings from cloth, or threads from garments or inspect stitching and other details of garments
d. : a worker who puts brooms into a machine that clips the rough ends to the desired length
2.
a. : an instrument or tool for clipping especially hair, fingernails, or toenails — usually used in plural
the barber's clippers hummed
b. : an electronic circuit or part of one especially in radio or television that clips certain instantaneous signals
3. : one that moves, runs, or scuds along swiftly: as
a. : a fast horse
b. or clipper ship : a fast sailing ship ; especially : a full-rigged ship of a type developed by American builders about 1840 characterized by long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall raking masts, and a large sail area
4. : a shorn sheep
5. : hellgramite
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: clip (I) + -er
: one that grasps or clips on: as
a. : a mining worker who attaches receptacles to or detaches them from haulage ropes
b. clippers plural : sister hooks
III. adjective
Etymology: clipper (I) (ship)
: clipper-built
clipper schooner
clipper packet