An archaic or dialectal term meaning to seize, grasp, or take hold of something.
From Old English and Middle English roots possibly related to 'clasp' or Germanic 'klappen' (to seize). The word is largely obsolete in modern English, surviving mainly in regional dialects.
Clape is related to clasp and clamp—all these 'cl-' words describe grabbing or holding, showing how English clusters similar-sounding words to express similar physical actions.
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