hap

¹

[ hap ]

noun

1. one's luck or lot.
2. an occurrence, happening, or accident.

verb (used without object)

, happed, hap·ping.

1. to happen:

   if it so hap.

hap

²

[ hap, ap ]

noun

1. a comforter or quilt.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover with or as with a comforter or quilt.

Hap

³

[ hahp, khahp ]

noun

, Egyptian Religion.

1. Apis ( def ).

hap

¹

/ hæp /

verb

1. to cover up; wrap up warmly

noun

1. a covering of any kind

hap

²

/ hæp /

noun

1. luck; chance
2. an occurrence

verb

1. intr an archaic word for happen

Word History and Origins

Origin of hap¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English, from Old Norse happ “luck, chance”; akin to Old English gehæp “fit, convenient”; probably akin to Old Church Slavonic kobŭ “auspice,” Old Irish cob “victory”

Origin of hap²

1350–1400; Middle English happen to cover; perhaps blend of lappen lap ² and Old French happer to seize

Word History and Origins

Origin of hap¹

C14: perhaps of Norse origin

Origin of hap²

C13: from Old Norse happ good luck; related to Old English gehæplic convenient, Old Slavonic kobǔ fate

Example Sentences

What better hap could a cavalry subaltern desire than such a fight under such conditions?

From Project Gutenberg

But natheless it may hap that I find a chief who is less afeared of great ventures than thou art, King.

From Project Gutenberg

Sea sprinkles wrinkles, tinkles lightShells' bells—boy's joys that hap to snap!

From Project Gutenberg

The Queen had tried to hold back Gilbert 'of her especial care, as a man noted of no good hap by sea.'

From Project Gutenberg

But as to getting things into the house hap hazard, really everything is so dear—it's quite out of reason.'

From Project Gutenberg