Strap  —n. 1 strip of leather etc., often with a buckle, for holding things together etc. 2 narrow strip of fabric worn over the shoulders as part of a garment. 3 loop for grasping to steady oneself in a moving vehicle. 4 (the strap) punishment by beating with a leather strap. —v. (-pp-) 1 (often foll. By down, up, etc.) Secure or bind with a strap. 2 beat with a strap.  strapless adj. [dial., = *strop]