chop

chop

chop¹ [chäp]

vt.

chopped, chopping [ME choppen, prob. < northern OFr choper, for OFr coper, to cut off (< VL * cuppare, to decapitate < * cuppum, skull < LL cuppa, CUP); infl. by couper, to strike (< coup, colp, a blow: see COUP)]

1. to cut or make by blows with an ax or other sharp tool [to chop down a tree; to chop a hole]

2. to cut into small bits; mince [to chop onions]

3. to say in a jerky or abrupt way

4. to hit with a short, sharp downward stroke

vi.

1. to make quick, cutting strokes with a sharp tool

2. to do something with a quick, sharp, or jerky motion

n.

1. the act of chopping

2. a short, sharp downward blow or stroke

3. a piece chopped off

4. a slice of lamb, pork, etc. cut, along with a piece of bone, from the rib, loin, or shoulder

5. a short, broken movement of waves

chop² [chäp]

n.

[var. of CHAP¹]

1. a jaw

2. a cheek: See CHOPS

chop³ [chäp]

vi.

chopped, chopping [LME choppen, var. of chappen, to barter < OE ceapian, to bargain: see CHEAP]

to shift or veer suddenly, as the wind; change direction

——————

chop logic

to argue, esp. in a hairsplitting way

chop⁴ [chäp]

n.

[Hindi chāp]

1. an official seal, stamp, permit, or license, as orig. in India and China

2. a brand, or trademark

3. Informal quality; grade; brand [a writer of the first chop]