1. v. & n.
--v. (clapped, clapping)
1. a intr. strike the palms of one's hands together as a signal or repeatedly as applause. b tr. strike (the hands) together in this way.
2 tr. applaud or show one's approval of (esp. a person) in this way.
3 tr. (of a bird) flap (its wings) audibly.
4 tr. put or place quickly or with determination (clapped him in prison; clap a tax on whisky).
--n.
1. the act of clapping, esp. as applause.
2 an explosive sound, esp. of thunder.
3 a slap, a pat.
Phrases and idioms:
clap eyes on colloq. see. clap on the back slap on the back. clapped out Brit. sl. worn out (esp. of machinery etc.); exhausted.
Etymology: OE clappian throb, beat, of imit. orig. 2. n. coarse sl. venereal disease, esp. gonorrhoea.
Etymology: OF clapoir venereal bubo