Clap \Clap\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Clapped; 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.

Then like a bird it sits and sings, And whets and claps its silver wings. --Marvell.

2. To thrust, drive, put, or close, in a hasty or abrupt manner; -- often followed by to, into, on, or upon.

He had just time to get in and clap to the door. --Locke

Clap an extinguaisher upon your irony. --Lamb.

3. To manifest approbation of, by striking the hands together; to applaud; as, to clap a performance.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)