strap´like´

strap «strap», noun, verb, strapped, strap|ping.

–n.

1. a narrow strip of leather or other material that bends easily: »

the straps of a wheel or pulley, to beat someone with a strap.

SYNONYM(S): thong.

2. a narrow, flat band or strip of cloth: »

The general wore straps on the shoulders of his uniform.

See also shoulder strap. (Cf. ↑shoulder strap)

3. a narrow strip for fastening things together or in position, or for holding together timbers, parts of machinery, or the like: »

Put a strap around the trunk. He had a strap around his books. The box was strengthened by straps of steel.

4. a narrow strip of leather to sharpen razors on; strop.

5. a looped band suspended from a bar, as in a bus, train, or car, for passengers to hold on to, to steady themselves.

6. a looped band attached to a boot to help pull it on.

–v.t.

1. to fasten, bind, or secure with a strap or straps: »

We strapped the trunk.

2. to beat with a strap.

3. to sharpen (a razor or knife) on a strap or strop.

4. to dress and bandage.

╂[dialectal variant of strop, partly Old English < Latin stroppus; partly < Old French estrop < Latin stroppus < Greek stróphos < stréphein to turn]

–strap´like´, adjective.