chad

chad · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Small pieces of paper or cardboard produced when holes are punched in paper, cards, or tape.

  2. 2.

    A male given name.

  3. 3.

    A country in central Africa.

Forms

plural: chads

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hanging chad — a partially detached piece of paper from a punched hole
  • •
    pregnant chad — a chad that is bulging but not detached
  • •
    dimpled chad — a chad that is indented but not punched through

Related words

See also: paper, punch

Etymology

The origin of "chad" (paper scraps) is uncertain, possibly from Scottish dialect. As a name, Chad derives from Old English Ceadda, the name of a 7th-century saint.