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clapper

 - 3 dictionary results

clap⋅per

[klap-er]
–noun
1. a person who applauds.
2. the tongue of a bell.
3. Slang. the tongue.
4. Usually, clappers. two flat sticks held between the fingers and struck rhythmically against each other to produce abrupt, sharp sounds.
5. Printing. a platen press.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME claper. See clap 1 , -er 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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clap·per   (klāp'ər)   
n.  
  1. One who applauds.

  2. The tongue of a bell.

  3. Slang The tongue of a garrulous person.

  4. clappers Two flat pieces of wood held between the fingers and struck together rhythmically.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

clapper

musicalmusical instrument consisting of pieces of wood, bone, metal, or other sonorous substance either held in both hands or, fastened together, held in one hand, sometimes with a handle, and struck against each other. Clappers have been played throughout the world since ancient times, often with a ritual, warning, work-coordinating, or signaling function, rather than a musical one.

Learn more about clapper with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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