Clappynge

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. Bringing the palms or hard objects together repeatedly to produce a sharp sound ; delivering a quick slap or light blow to someone or something
2. Making a sudden, loud noise by knocking two surfaces together ; hitting or patting someone or something briskly with the hand
3. Producing a crisp, resounding report by smacking surfaces together ; striking or tapping a person or thing swiftly with an open palm

Etymology: "Clappynge" is a Middle English spelling of the present participle or verbal noun of "clappen," meaning to strike, slap, or make a sharp noise, and later to clap the hands in applause. It also appears in the sense of rapid chatter. The verb comes from an imitative root, a sound-based formation shared with Dutch "klappen" and German "klappen," both meaning to clap or slap. Its modern form, "clap," replaced the spellings with a -y- or -ing- ending as English spelling standardized, so this form survives only in older texts.