chap

chap · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (British informal) A man or boy; a fellow.

  2. 2.

    (Of skin) to become cracked, rough, or sore, typically from cold or wind.

Forms

plural: chaps

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    old chap — (British) friendly term for a man
  • •
    good chap — a decent, reliable person
  • •
    chapped lips — cracked, dry lips

Related words

See also: bloke, chaps, fellow, guy
Synonyms: bloke, fellow, guy, man

Etymology

As a noun, shortened from chapman ("merchant, trader"), from Old English ceapman. As a verb, from Middle English chappen ("to crack, split").