Rapp

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. A quick, sharp tap or strike delivered with a hand, knuckle, or object against a surface or person
2. A brief, abrupt knock made against something hard, such as a door or table, to get attention
3. The sound or act of a sudden, smart blow struck against a surface or against someone

Etymology: Behind this quick sharp tap is a raven. In Middle High German, "rapp" was a variant of "rabe", meaning "raven", the same word that survives in modern German as "Rabe". The old bird name later became a German surname, Rapp, and the English word comes from that surname.