hasp

American  

[hasp] / hæsp /

noun

1. a clasp for a door, lid, etc., especially one passing over a staple and fastened by a pin or a padlock.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with or as with a hasp.

hasp British  

/ hɑːsp /

noun

1. a metal fastening consisting of a hinged strap with a slot that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin, bolt, or padlock

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verb

1. (tr) to secure (a door, window, etc) with a hasp

Etymology

Origin of hasp

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hæsp, hæpse; cognate with German Haspe hasp; akin to Dutch haspel reel, Old Norse hespa skein, hasp

Explanation

A hasp is part of a latch or lock. Most hasps are flat metal plates with a hinge, often including a metal loop that a lock fits through. If you've ever used a padlock, you've also used a hasp (probably without knowing what to call it). The metal plate that opens and closes and is held shut once you insert your padlock? That's a hasp! Hasp is a verb too, meaning "lock by securing a hasp," although it's rarely used today. The origin of this word isn't clear, but we know it's related to the Norse hespa, "fastening."