Complete circuits of a track or course, or the plural of lap referring to the flat area formed by the upper legs when sitting. In sports contexts, refers to rounds completed in racing or swimming.
From Old English 'læppa' meaning a fold or flap of clothing, related to 'lap' meaning to fold over. The racing sense developed from the idea of 'folding over' or completing a circuit that returns to its starting point.
The term 'lap of luxury' originally referred to the physical comfort of sitting in someone's lap, but evolved metaphorically to describe any situation of comfortable abundance - showing how physical comfort became a symbol for material prosperity.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.