nap´less

nap¹ «nap», noun, verb, napped, nap|ping.

–n.

a short sleep, especially one taken during the day; doze; snooze.

╂[< verb]

–v.i.

1. to take a short sleep; doze: »

Grandfather naps in his armchair.

2. Figurative. to be off guard; be unprepared: »

The test caught me napping.

╂[Old English hnappian doze]

nap² «nap», noun, verb, napped, nap|ping.

–n.

1. the soft, short, woolly threads or hairs on the surface of cloth: »

the nap on velvet or flannelette.

2. a soft, downy surface or coating, such as that on some plants.

–v.t.

to raise a nap on (a fabric).

╂[< Middle Dutch noppe]

–nap´less, adjective.

Usage See pile³ for usage note.

nap³ «nap», noun, verb, napped, nap|ping.

–n.

1. = napoleon (def. 3). (Cf. ↑napoleon)

2. = napoleon (def. 2). (Cf. ↑napoleon)

3. British. a tip that a particular horse is certain to win a race.

–v.t.

British. to recommend (a horse) as a certain winner.

nap⁴ «nap», transitive verb, napped, nap|ping.

Slang. to seize; catch; nab; steal.

╂[see etym. under nab (Cf. ↑nab)]