~ 1
■ verb ( ~s , ~ping , ~ped )
1》 strike (a hard surface) with a series of ~id blows.
↘strike several times against a hard surface.
↘strike sharply.
2》 (usu. ~ something out ) say sharply or suddenly.
↘ informal criticize severely.
3》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner.
4》 perform ~ music.
■ noun
1》 a quick, sharp knock or blow.
2》 a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited ~idly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing.
3》 informal a rebuke or criticism.
4》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. an impromptu talk or discussion.
5》 N. Amer. informal a criminal charge: a murder ~.
Phrases
beat the ~ N. Amer. informal escape punishment for or be acquitted of a crime.
take the ~ informal be punished or blamed for something.
Derivatives
~per noun
Origin
ME: prob. imitative and of Scand. origin.
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~ 2
■ noun the smallest amount: he doesn't care a ~.
Origin
C19: from Ir. ropaire 'robber'; used as the name of a counterfeit coin in 18th-cent. Ireland.