n. & v.
—n.
1 a device for holding things together or for attachment to an object as a marker, esp. a paper-clip or a device worked by a spring.
2 a piece of jewellery fastened by a clip.
3 a set of attached cartridges for a firearm.
—v.tr. (clipped, clipping)
1 fix with a clip.
2 grip tightly.
3 surround closely.
Phrases and idioms:
clip-on attached by a clip.
Etymology: OE clyppan embrace f. WG
2.
v. & n.
—v.tr. (clipped, clipping)
1 cut with shears or scissors, esp. cut short or trim (hair, wool, etc.).
2 trim or remove the hair or wool of (a person or animal).
3 colloq. hit smartly.
4 a omit (a letter etc.) from a word. b omit letters or syllables of (words pronounced).
5 Brit. remove a small piece of (a ticket) to show that it has been used.
6 cut (an extract) from a newspaper etc.
7 sl. swindle, rob.
8 pare the edge of (a coin).
—n.
1 an act of clipping, esp. shearing or hair-cutting.
2 colloq. a smart blow, esp. with the hand.
3 a short sequence from a motion picture.
4 the quantity of wool clipped from a sheep, flock, etc.
5 colloq. speed, esp. rapid.
Phrases and idioms:
clip-joint sl. a club etc. charging exorbitant prices. clip a person's wings prevent a person from pursuing ambitions or acting effectively.
Derivatives:
clippable adj.
Etymology: ME f. ON klippa, prob. imit.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.