clapping
    n 1: a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together
         [syn: applause, hand clapping, clapping]

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.
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            Then like a bird it sits and sings,
            And whets and claps its silver wings. --Marvell.
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   2. To thrust, drive, put, or close, in a hasty or abrupt
      manner; -- often followed by to, into, on, or upon.
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            He had just time to get in and clap to the door.
                                                  --Locke
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            Clap an extinguisher upon your irony. --Lamb.
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   3. To manifest approbation of, by striking the hands
      together; to applaud; as, to clap a performance.
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   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.
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