— harplike , adj.
/hahrp/ , n.
1. a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame formed by a soundbox, a pillar, and a curved neck, and having strings stretched between the soundbox and the neck that are plucked with the fingers.
2. anything that resembles this instrument, esp. in having a row of parallel strings or wires, as various mechanical devices or kitchen implements for slicing cheese.
3. a vertical metal frame shaped to bend around the bulb in a standing lamp and used to support a lamp shade.
4. Slang ( disparaging and offensive ). a person of Irish birth or descent.
5. Also called harper . any of several English coins issued for use in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries, bearing the figure of a harp on the reverse.
6. South Midland and Southern U.S. a mouth harp; harmonica.
v.i.
7. to play on a harp.
8. harp on or upon , to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing: He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.
[ bef. 900; ME harpe, OE hearpe; c. D harp, G Harfe, ON harpa ]