lappet

American  

[lap-it] / ˈlæp ɪt /

noun

1. a small lap, flap, or loosely hanging part, especially of a garment or headdress.

2. a projecting, lobelike structure in certain invertebrate animals.

3. Ornithology. a wattle or other fleshy process on a bird's head.

4. Textiles.

   1. a rack or bar containing needles, situated at the front of the reed, and used in the production of figured patterns.

   2. an ornamented fabric produced by lappet weaving.

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lappet British  

/ ˈlæpɪt /

noun

1. a small hanging flap or piece of lace, etc, such as one dangling from a headdress

2. zoology a lobelike hanging structure, such as the wattle on a bird's head

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Other Word Forms

• lappeted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of lappet

First recorded in 1565–75; lap ¹ + -et

Example Sentences

Crocodile fish: As the species lurks around sandy ocean floors, the iris lappet, or lacey covering drooping over its eye, obscures the pupil and improves fish’s overall camouflage.

From Scientific American • May 19, 2021

A hood of brown sat on her white hair; a brown lappet was thrown about her, and she supported herself by means of a staff.

From In Doublet and Hose A Story for Girls by De Land, Clyde Osmer

If used as a vanish, after having regained possession of the ball, you stand with the hands one on each lappet of the coat, bow, and retire.

From Magic In which are given clear and concise explanations of all the well-known illusions as well as many new ones. by Stanton, Ellis

That which moved the lappet was something in the pocket that was struggling to get out.

From A Book of Ghosts by Baring-Gould, S. (Sabine)

The specimen lappet, illustrated, shows the "figure" motif which appears in "Point de France" and the old "Venetian Point," and which at once dates its manufacture.

From Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Lowes, Emily Leigh