rap1
v.
(raps, rapping, rapped)
- strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid blows.
▸strike several times against a hard surface.
▸strike sharply.
-
(usu. rap something out)
say sharply or suddenly.
▸informal criticize severely.
- informal, chiefly N. Amer. talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner.
- perform rap music.
n.
- a quick, sharp knock or blow.
- a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing.
- informal a rebuke or criticism.
- informal, chiefly N. Amer. an impromptu talk or discussion.
- N. Amer. informal a criminal charge:
a murder rap.
Phrase
- beat the rap
N. Amer. informal escape punishment for or be acquitted of a crime. - take the rap
informal be punished or blamed for something.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: prob. imitative and of Scand. origin.
rap2
n.
the smallest amount:
he doesn't care a rap.
Etymology
C19: from Ir. ropaire ‘robber’; used as the name of a counterfeit coin in 18th-cent. Ireland.