Dictionary

earlap en · NOUN

Etymology

From Old English ēarlæppa. Equivalent to ear + lap.

Meanings

1. (archaic) The ear lobe.
   • ...of boring the Earlap, which is performed in Germany, not merely for the purpose of inserting earrings, but as a method of counter-irritation in ophthalmic diseases 1850, British and foreign medico-chirurgical review: or, Quarterly journal of practial medicine and surgery, Volume 6:
2. A flap connected to headgear to protect the ear (against the cold, or physical harm); an earflap.
   • The people at the game were dressed in woolen hats, mackinaws, fur-lined coats, gloves and caps with earlaps — heavy winter clothing. 1999, Marty Glickman, Stan Isaacs, The Fastest Kid on the Block: The Marty Glickman Story:
   • Everyone looked over at Shevchuk, who was shifting from one foot to the other, rumpling his well-traveled hat with its missing earlap 1981, Vladimir Voĭnovich, translated by Richard Lourie, Pretender to the throne: the further adventures of private Ivan:

Forms