Harp


[hahrp] /hɑrp/

noun
1.
a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame formed by a soundbox, a pillar, and a curved neck, and having strings stretched between the soundbox and the neck that are plucked with the fingers.
2.
anything that resembles this instrument, especially in having a row of parallel strings or wires, as various mechanical devices or kitchen implements for slicing cheese.
3.
a vertical metal frame shaped to bend around the bulb in a standing lamp and used to support a lamp shade.
4.
Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of Irish birth or descent.
5.
Also called harper. any of several English coins issued for use in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries, bearing the figure of a harp on the reverse.
6.
South Midland and Southern U.S. a ; harmonica.
verb (used without object)
7.
to play on a harp.
Verb phrases
8.
harp on/upon, to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing:
He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.
/hɑːp/
noun
1.
a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals (double-action harp). Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves
2.
something resembling this, esp in shape
3.
an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica
verb
4.
(intransitive) to play the harp
5.
(transitive) (archaic) to speak; utter; express
6.
(intransitive; foll by on or upon) to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner
n.

Old English hearpe, from Proto-Germanic *kharpon- (cf. Old Saxon harpa “instrument of torture;” Old Norse harpa, Dutch harp, Old High German harpfa, German Harfe “harp”). Late Latin harpa, source of words in some Romanic languages, is a borrowing from Germanic. Meaning “harmonica” is from 1887, short for mouth-harp. The harp seal (1784) is so called for the harp-shaped markings on its back.
v.

Old English hearpian; see harp (n.). Cognate with Middle Dutch, Dutch harpen, Middle High German harpfen, German harfen. Figurative sense of “talk overmuch” (about something) first recorded mid-15c., originally to harp upon one string. Related: Harped; harping.

An instrument in the string section of the orchestra. The orchestral harp is several feet tall and has pedals that allow the harpist to change the key of the instrument as necessary.

noun

Health Administration Responsibility Project

(Heb. kinnor), the national instrument of the Hebrews. It was invented by Jubal (Gen. 4:21). Some think the word _kinnor_ denotes the whole class of stringed instruments. It was used as an accompaniment to songs of cheerfulness as well as of praise to God (Gen. 31:27; 1 Sam. 16:23; 2 Chr. 20:28; Ps. 33:2; 137:2). In Solomon’s time harps were made of almug-trees (1 Kings 10:11, 12). In 1 Chr. 15:21 mention is made of “harps on the Sheminith;” Revised Version, “harps set to the Sheminith;” better perhaps “harps of eight strings.” The soothing effect of the music of the harp is referred to 1 Sam. 16:16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. The church in heaven is represented as celebrating the triumphs of the Redeemer “harping with their harps” (Rev. 14:2).

Read Also:

  • Harpaxophobia

    noun a fear of robbers or being robbed Word Origin Greek harpax ‘robber’

  • Harper

    [hahr-per] /ˈhɑr pər/ noun 1. a person who plays the . 2. a person who on a subject. 3. Numismatics. (def 5). [hahr-per] /ˈhɑr pər/ noun 1. James, 1795–1869, and his brothers John, 1797–1875, (Joseph) Wesley, 1801–70, and Fletcher, 1806–77, U.S. printers and publishers. 2. a male or female given name. /ˈhɑːpə/ noun 1. Stephen […]

  • Harpers-ferry

    [hahr-perz] /ˈhɑr pərz/ noun 1. a town in NE West Virginia at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers: site of John Brown’s raid 1859. The place now in West Virginia where the militant abolitionist John Brown was captured in 1859, after he seized a federal arsenal there.

  • Harper-woods

    noun 1. a city in SE Michigan, near Detroit.

  • Harpies

    [hahr-pee] /ˈhɑr pi/ noun, plural Harpies. 1. Classical Mythology. a ravenous, filthy monster having a woman’s head and a bird’s body. 2. (lowercase) a scolding, nagging, bad-tempered woman; shrew. 3. (lowercase) a greedy, predatory person. /ˈhɑːpɪ/ noun (pl) -pies 1. a cruel grasping woman /ˈhɑːpɪ/ noun (pl) -pies 1. (Greek myth) a ravenous creature with […]


Disclaimer: Harp definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.