clapped-out

[ klapt-out ]

adjective

, British Informal.

1. (of machinery or appliances) worn-out; dilapidated.
2. (of a person) exhausted; fatigued.

clapped out

adjective

1. informal.
   clapped-out when prenominal (esp of machinery) worn out; dilapidated
2. extremely tired; exhausted

Word History and Origins

Origin of clapped-out¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The "cheese" is "clapped out," and must begin again as the "farmer."

From Project Gutenberg