Nape

Pronunciation

• IPA: /neɪp/
• Rhymes: -eɪp

Unknown, circa 1300. Possibly from Old French hanap ("goblet"), as there is a hollow at the base of the skull.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of nape

Noun

1. The back part of the neck.

Synonyms

• nucha, nuchal medicine
• scruff, scruff of the neck
• withers of a horse

From Middle English, from Old French nape, nappe ("a cloth"), from Medieval Latin nappa, napa ("cloth, table-cloth, sheet"), alteration of Latin mappa ("a cloth, napkin, towel"). More at map, apron.

Noun

1. (obsolete) A tablecloth.

Derived terms

• napkin

Short for napalm.

Verb

1. To bombard with napalm.

Anagrams

• neap, pane, pean