trap

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[[t]træp[/t]]

n. v. trapped, trap•ping

1) a contrivance for catching game or other animals, as a mechanical device that springs shut suddenly

2) a device, stratagem, or trick for catching a person unawares

3) an unpleasant or confining situation from which it is difficult to escape

4) any of various devices for removing undesirable substances from a moving fluid, vapor, etc., or for preventing passage of a substance

5) bui an arrangement in a pipe, as a double curve or aU-shaped section, in which liquid remains and forms a seal for preventing the passage or escape of air or gases through the pipe

6) bui

trapdoor

7) sts Slang. mouth:

Keep your trap shut[/ex]

8) mad traps, the percussion instruments of a jazz or dance band

9) spo a device for hurling clay pigeons into the air in trapshooting

10) spo an act or instance of trapping a ball

11) brit. a light, horse-drawn carriage

12) to catch in or as if in a trap; ensnare

13) to catch by stratagem, artifice, or trickery

14) bui cv to stop and hold by or as if by a trap

15) to confine or hold without possibility of escape

16) to provide with a trap or traps

17) spo to catch (a ball) as it rises after having just hit the ground

18) to set traps for game

19) to engage in the business of trapping animals for their furs

20) spo to work the trap in trapshooting

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME trappe, OE træppe, c. MD trappe trap, step, staircase; akin to OE treppan to tread, OFris, MHG treppe staircase II

trap

[[t]træp[/t]] v. t. trapped, trap•ping,

to furnish with or as if with trappings; caparison

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME trappe, trappen III

trap

[[t]træp[/t]] n.

gel any of various fine-grained, dark-colored igneous rocks, esp. some form of basalt

Also called traprock

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Etymology: 1785–95; < Sw trapp, var. of trappa stair < MLG trappe