A device for catching and killing mice, or metaphorically, a trap or snare for people.
Compound of Middle English mous (mouse) and trappe (trap), from Old English mūs and Old French trappe. The metaphorical sense of ensnaring people developed in the 16th century.
The classic spring-loaded mousetrap design hasn't changed much since 1894, when John Mast patented the basic mechanism we still use today. The phrase 'build a better mousetrap' became synonymous with innovation, though ironically, the original design proved nearly perfect.
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