Main Entry:

²chap

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

chapped; chap·ping

Etymology:

Middle English chappen; akin to Middle Dutch cappen to cut down

Date:

15th century

intransitive verb: to open in cracks, slits, or chinks ; also : to become cracked, roughened, or reddened especially by the action of wind or cold <hands often chap in winter>transitive verb: to cause to chap <wind-chapped lips>