/fil"euhp/ , v.t.
1. to strike with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of the thumb.
2. to tap or strike smartly.
3. to drive by or as by a fillip: Anticipation filliped his passion.
v.i.
4. to make a fillip with the fingers.
n.
5. an act or instance of filliping; a smart tap or stroke.
6. anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive; a stimulus: Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.
[ 1425-75; late ME philippe to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger; expressive word of uncert. orig; cf. FLIP ]