1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a smart slight blow.
2 a knock, a sharp tapping sound.
3 sl. blame, censure, or punishment.
4 sl. a conversation.
5 a a rhyming monologue recited rhythmically to prerecorded music. b (in full rap music) a style of rock music with a pronounced beat and words recited rather than sung.
--v. (rapped, rapping)
1. tr. strike smartly.
2 intr. knock; make a sharp tapping sound (rapped on the table).
3 tr. criticize adversely.
4 intr. sl. talk.
Phrases and idioms:
beat the rap US escape punishment. rap on (or over) the knuckles a reprimand or reproof. rap out
1. utter (an oath, order, pun, etc.) abruptly or on the spur of the moment.
2 Spiritualism express (a message or word) by raps. take the rap suffer the consequences.
Derivatives:
rapper n.
Etymology: ME, prob. imit. 2. n. a small amount, the least bit (don't care a rap).
Etymology: Ir. ropaire Irish counterfeit coin