from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Clap \Clap\ (kl[a^]p), n.
1. A loud noise made by sudden collision; a bang. "Give the
door such a clap, as you go out, as will shake the whole
room." --Swift.
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2. A burst of sound; a sudden explosion.
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Horrible claps of thunder. --Hakewill.
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3. A single, sudden act or motion; a stroke; a blow.
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What, fifty of my followers at a clap! --Shak.
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4. A striking of hands to express approbation.
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Unextrected claps or hisses. --Addison.
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5. Noisy talk; chatter. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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6. (Falconry) The nether part of the beak of a hawk.
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{Clap dish}. See {Clack dish}, under {Clack}, n.
{Clap net}, a net for taking birds, made to close or clap
together.
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