[clap] vb clapped also clapt ; clap.ping [ME clappen, fr. OE claeppan to throb; akin to OHG klaphon to beat] vt (14c) 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 usu. 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 esp. energetically "~ him into jail" "since I first clapped eyes on it"
5: to improvise hastily ~ vi 1: to produce a percussive sound; esp: slam
2: to go abruptly or briskly
3: applaud
[2]clap n (13c) 1: a device that makes a clapping noise
2. obs: a sudden stroke of fortune and esp. ill fortune
3: a loud percussive noise; specif: a sudden crash of thunder
4. a: a sudden blow b: a friendly slap
5: the sound of clapping hands; esp: applause [3]clap n [MF clapoir bubo] (1587): gonorrhea--often used with the