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harped on

 - 3 dictionary results

harp

[hahrp]
–noun
1. a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame formed by a soundbox, a pillar, and a curved neck, and having strings stretched between the soundbox and the neck that are plucked with the fingers.
2. anything that resembles this instrument, esp. in having a row of parallel strings or wires, as various mechanical devices or kitchen implements for slicing cheese.
3. a vertical metal frame shaped to bend around the bulb in a standing lamp and used to support a lamp shade.
4. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a person of Irish birth or descent.
5. Also called harper. any of several English coins issued for use in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries, bearing the figure of a harp on the reverse.
6. South Midland and Southern U.S. a mouth harp; harmonica.
–verb (used without object)
7. to play on a harp.
8. harp on or upon, to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing: He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.

Origin:
bef. 900; ME harpe, OE hearpe; c. D harp, G Harfe, ON harpa


harplike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Cultural Dictionary

harp

An instrument in the string section of the orchestra. The orchestral harp is several feet tall and has pedals that allow the harpist to change the key of the instrument as necessary.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

harp 
O.E. hearpe, from P.Gmc. *kharpon- (cf. O.N. harpa, Du. harp, O.H.G. harpfa). L.L. harpa, source of words in some Romantic languages, is a borrowing from P.Gmc. The verb is O.E. hearpian. Fig. sense of "talk overmuch about" first recorded 1513, originally to harp upon one string. The harp seal (1784) is so called for the harp-shaped markings on its back.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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