trapes

English

Etymology 1

Obscure, as is common among colloquialisms. OED mentions possible association with Dutch trappen, to tread or stamp the foot, but objects that the connection is unconvincing. (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Verb

trapes (third-person singular simple present trapeses, present participle trapesing, simple past and past participle trapesed)

1. Alternative spelling of traipse in reduced usage since about WWI

Noun

trapes (plural trapeses)

1. Alternative spelling of traipse in reduced usage since about WWI

Etymology 2

See trape.

Noun

trapes

1. (seldom in use since about WWII, colloquial) A slattern; an idle, sluttish, or untidy woman.
   • Hudibras

     He found the sullen trapes / Possest with th' devil, worms, and claps.

   • Gay

     From door to door I'd sooner whine and beg, / Than marry such a trapes.

   • Young

     Since full each other station of renown, / Who would not be the greatest trapes in town?

Anagrams

• Paster, Pearts, paster, paters, petars, prates, pretas, repast, repats, retaps, tapers, treaps