from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Clap \Clap\ (kl[a^]p), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Clapped} (kl[a^]pt);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Clapping}.] [AS. clappan; akin to Icel. &
Sw. klappa, D, klappen, to clap, prate, G. klaffen, v. i., to
split open, yelp, klopfen, v. t. & i., to knock.]
1. To strike; to slap; to strike, or strike together, with a
quick motion, so, as to make a sharp noise; as, to clap
one's hands; a clapping of wings.
[1913 Webster]
Then like a bird it sits and sings,
And whets and claps its silver wings. --Marvell.
[1913 Webster]
2. To thrust, drive, put, or close, in a hasty or abrupt
manner; -- often followed by to, into, on, or upon.
[1913 Webster]
He had just time to get in and clap to the door.
--Locke
[1913 Webster]
Clap an extinguisher upon your irony. --Lamb.
[1913 Webster]
3. To manifest approbation of, by striking the hands
together; to applaud; as, to clap a performance.
[1913 Webster]
{To clap hands}.
(a) To pledge faith by joining hands. [Obs.] --Shak.
(b) To express contempt or derision. [Obs.] --Lam. ii. 15.
{To clap hold of}, to seize roughly or quickly.
{To clap up}.
(a) To imprison hastily or without due formality.
(b) To make or contrive hastily. [Obs.] "Was ever match
clapped up so suddenly?" --Shak.
[1913 Webster]