flap

FLAP, noun [Latin alapa, a slap. It seems difficult to separate flap from clap, slap, flabby, lap, etc.] 1. Any thing broad and limber that hangs loose, or is easily moved. A cartilaginous flap on the opening of the larynx. We say, the flap of a garment, the flap of the ear, the flap of a hat. 2. The motion of any thing broad and loose, or a stroke with it. 3. The flaps, a disease in the lips of horses. FLAP, verb transitive 1. To beat with a flap Yet let me flap this bug with gilded wings. 2. To move something broad; as, to flap the wings. 3. To let fall, as the brim of a hat. [This sense seems to indicate a connection with lap.] FLAP, verb intransitive 1. To move as wings, or as something broad or loose. 2. To fall, as the brim of a hat, or other broad thing.