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.

---

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

---

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."

Example Sentences

After an hour searching dusty corridors, I found a door with a smart padlock and the remains of a hasp lying on the floor beside it.

From Nature • May 19, 2020

And then Matt hears the sound of the window hasp being turned and the sound of the window opening.

From The Guardian • Oct. 31, 2019

But now, Sokolove said for the first time publicly that he remembered that the hasp lock to the shed door was in the secure, closed position.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2015

The garage door wasn’t locked; Gibson had the padlock on the door, but not through the hasp.

From Washington Times • Dec. 24, 2014

Quickly he closed the doors and snapped the lock through the hasp.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos