Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Clack?

\Clack\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Clacked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Clacking}.] [Prob. of imitative origin; cf. F. claquer to clap, crack, D. klakken, MHG. klac crack, Ir. clagaim I make a noise, ring. Cf. {Clack}, n., {Clatter}, {Click}.] 1. To make a sudden, sharp noise, or a succesion of such noises, as by striking an object, or by collision of parts; to rattle; to click. We heard Mr.Hodson's whip clacking on the ahoulders of the poor little wretches. --Thackeray. 2. To utter words rapidly and continually, or with abruptness; to let the tongue run.
\Clack\, v. t. 1. To cause to make a sudden, sharp noise, or succession of noises; to click. 2. To utter rapidly and inconsiderately. --Feltham. {To clack wool}, to cut off the sheep's mark, in order to make the wool weigh less and thus yield less duty. [Eng.]
\Clack\, n. [Cf. F. claque a slap or smack, MHG. klac crack, W. clec crack, gossip. See {Clack}, v. t.] 1. A sharp, abrupt noise, or succession of noises, made by striking an object. 2. Anything that causes a clacking noise, as the clapper of a mill, or a clack valve. 3. Continual or importunate talk; prattle; prating. Whose chief intent is to vaunt his spiritual clack. --South. {Clack box} (Mach.), the box or chamber in which a clack valve works. {Clack dish}, a dish with a movable lid, formerly carried by beggars, who clacked the lid to attract notice. --Shak. {Clack door} (Mining), removable cover of the opening through which access is had to a pump valve. {Clack valve} (Mach.), a valve; esp. one hinged at one edge, which, when raised from its seat, falls with a clacking sound.