rap 1
/rap/ , v. , rapped, rapping , n.
v.t.
1. to strike, esp. with a quick, smart, or light blow: He rapped the door with his cane.
2. to utter sharply or vigorously: to rap out a command.
3. (of a spirit summoned by a medium) to communicate (a message) by raps (often fol. by out ).
4. Slang. to criticize sharply: Critics could hardly wait to rap the play.
5. Slang. to arrest, detain, or sentence for a crime.
6. Metall. to jar (a pattern) loose from a sand mold.
v.i.
7. to knock smartly or lightly, esp. so as to make a noise: to rap on a door.
8. Slang. to talk or discuss, esp. freely, openly, or volubly; chat.
9. Slang. to talk rhythmically to the beat of rap music.
n.
10. a quick, smart, or light blow: a rap on the knuckles with a ruler.
11. the sound produced by such a blow: They heard a loud rap at the door.
12. Slang. blame or punishment, esp. for a crime.
13. Slang. a criminal charge: a murder rap.
14. Slang. response, reception, or judgment: The product has been getting a very bad rap.
15. Slang.
a. a talk, conversation, or discussion; chat.
b. talk designed to impress, convince, etc.; spiel: a high-pressure sales rap.
16. See rap music .
17. beat the rap , Slang. to succeed in evading the penalty for a crime; be acquitted: The defendant calmly insisted that he would beat the rap.
18. take the rap , Slang. to take the blame and punishment for a crime committed by another: He took the rap for the burglary.
[ 1300-50; 1960-65 for def. 8; ME rappen (v.), rap ( p ) e (n.); akin to Sw rappa to beat, drub, G rappeln to rattle; senses "to talk," "conversation, talk" perh. of distinct orig., though the hypothesis that it is a shortening of REPARTEE is questionable ]
rap 2
/rap/ , n.
1. the least bit: I don't care a rap.
2. a counterfeit halfpenny formerly passed in Ireland.
[ 1715-25; orig. uncert. ]
rap 3
/rap/ , v.t., rapped or rapt, rapping . Archaic.
1. to carry off; transport.
2. to transport with rapture.
3. to seize for oneself; snatch.
[ 1520-30; back formation from RAPT ]