Describing skin that is cracked, rough, and sometimes bleeding, usually from cold, dry weather or wind exposure.
From Middle English 'chappen,' likely from Old Norse 'kapp' meaning 'to strike' or 'knock.' The sense evolved because cold wind literally 'strikes' and damages exposed skin.
Your lips and hands get chapped in winter because your skin loses moisture faster in dry air—the word itself comes from the idea of being 'struck' or damaged, which is literally what harsh weather does to delicate skin cells.
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