What does lappet mean?
A lappet is a small, flexible flap or pendent part. Its best-known use is for a fold of fabric hanging from a garment or head covering, such as the decorated silk lapets of ceremonial dress or the sides of a hood. In anatomical and zoological contexts, the word can refer to a fleshy lobe or skin flap, including the lappet of the ear. The general idea is of something attached along one edge and loose or projecting along another, rather than a complete garment or body part. Although “lap” can suggest the area covered when the knees are raised, a lappet is instead a distinctive piece hanging from clothing or anatomy. The term is not part of most everyday conversation, but it is precise and useful in fashion, historical description, medicine, and zoology. It is also easily confused with “lapel,” which names only the turned-back front section of a coat or jacket.
nounA flap-like or lobe-like part, especially a hanging fold of cloth attached to a garment or head covering; in anatomy, a fleshy fold such as the lappet of the ear.
- A flap or pendent fold forming part of a garment, head covering, or similar fabric object.
- A small flap-like projection or lobe of skin, especially the fleshy portion of the external ear.
- A pendent lobe-like part on an animal, such as a flap of skin beside the head.
"Long silk lapets fell from the sides of her ceremonial hood."
"Long silk lapets fell from the sides of her ceremonial hood."
"The anatomical diagram labels the fleshy lappet of the ear."
The regular plural is lapplets, as in “the costume had long lapplets.”
"She tied the two lappets beneath her chin."
The word travelled north: English borrowed its name from Old Norse lappi, a word for a hanging flap.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lappet come from?
The English noun developed through Middle English forms such as lappe and lappet from Old Norse lappi, meaning a lap or hanging flap. English later established the form with the diminutive-looking ending -et. Related words include Dutch lap and German Lappen, all belonging to a Germanic vocabulary for cloth flaps and pendent pieces.
How lappet is actually used
The word is uncommon in everyday speech but standard in clothing, anatomy, and zoological description. Its use for an elaborate fabric flap often has a literary or historical flavour.
Easily confused with lappet
A lapet is any dangling or flap-like part, while a lapel is specifically the turned-back extension of a coat or jacket at the front of the neckline.