English

Noun

straps

1. Plural of strap

Verb

straps

1. third-person singular of strap

A strap, sometimes also called strop, is an elongated flap or ribbon, usually of fabric or leather.

Thin straps are used as part of clothing or baggage, or bedding such as a sleeping bag. See for example spaghetti strap, shoulder strap. A strap differs from a belt mainly in that a strap is usually integral to the item of clothing; either can be used in combination with buckles.

Straps are also used as fasteners to attach and bind items, to objects, animals (for example a saddle on a horse) and people, or even to tie down people and animals, as on an apparatus for corporal punishment. Occasionally a strap is specified after what it binds or holds, e.g. chin strap.

Word origin

"Strop" is the older form of strap, recorded since 1357 as loop or strap on a harness; strap appeared only since 1620 as a Scottish and/or nautical variant of 'strope.' The word "strop" probably derives from the Old French estrop, itself from the Latin stroppus "strap, band," perhaps from Etruscan, ultimately from Greek strophos "twisted band," from strephein "to turn".

External links

• Etymology on line