from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chop \Chop\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Chopped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Chopping}.] [Cf. LG. & D. kappen, Dan. kappe, Sw. kappa. Cf.
{Chap} to crack.]
1. To cut by striking repeatedly with a sharp instrument; to
cut into pieces; to mince; -- often with up.
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2. To sever or separate by one more blows of a sharp
instrument; to divide; -- usually with off or down.
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Chop off your hand, and it to the king. --Shak.
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3. To seize or devour greedily; -- with up. [Obs.]
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Upon the opening of his mouth he drops his
breakfast, which the fox presently chopped up.
--L'estrange.
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