[rap], (Verb)

Definitions:
- strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention
(e.g: he stood up and rapped the table)

- perform rap music
(e.g: he raps under the name of Mr T)

- talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner
(e.g: we could be here all night rapping about the finer points of spiritualism)


Phrases:
- a rap on the knuckles
- beat the rap
- rap someone on the knuckles
- take the rap

Origin:
Middle English (originally in the senses ‘severe blow with a weapon’ and ‘deliver a heavy blow’): probably imitative and of Scandinavian origin; compare with Swedish rappa ‘beat, drub’, also with clap and flap

[rap], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a quick, sharp knock or blow
(e.g: there was a confident rap at the door)

- a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing
(e.g: the label specializes in rap and modern soul)

- a lengthy or impromptu conversation
(e.g: dropping in after work for a rap over a beer)

- a criminal charge, especially of a specified kind
(e.g: he's just been acquitted on a murder rap)

- a person's reputation, typically a bad one
(e.g: there's no reason why drag queens should get a bad rap)


Phrases:
- a rap on the knuckles
- beat the rap
- rap someone on the knuckles
- take the rap

Origin:
Middle English (originally in the senses ‘severe blow with a weapon’ and ‘deliver a heavy blow’): probably imitative and of Scandinavian origin; compare with Swedish rappa ‘beat, drub’, also with clap and flap

[rap], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the smallest amount (used for emphasis)
(e.g: he doesn't care a rap whether it's true or not)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 18th century: from Irish rapaire ‘robber’; used as the name of a counterfeit coin in 18th-century Ireland