from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Alp \Alp\, n. [L. Alpes the Alps, said to be of Celtic origin;
cf. Gael. alp a high mountain, Ir. ailp any huge mass or
lump: cf. F. Alpes.]
1. A very high mountain. Specifically, in the plural, the
highest chain of mountains in Europe, containing the lofty
mountains of Switzerland, etc.
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Nor breath of vernal air from snowy alp. --Milton.
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Hills peep o'er hills, and alps on alps arise.
--Pope.
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2. Fig.: Something lofty, or massive, or very hard to be
surmounted.
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Note: The plural form Alps is sometimes used as a singular.
"The Alps doth spit." --Shak.
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