TRAP (4)

Trap, n. [[OE. trappe, AS. treppe; akin to OD. trappe, OHG. trapo; probably fr. the root of E. tramp, as that which is trod upon: cf. F. trappe, which is trod upon: cf. F. trappe, which perhaps influenced the English word.]] 1. 1. A machine or contrivance that shuts suddenly, as with a spring, used for taking game or other animals; as, a trap for foxes.
She would weep if that she saw a mouse Caught in a trap. Chaucer. 2. 2. Fig.: A snare; an ambush; a stratagem; any device by which one may be caught unawares.
Let their table be made a snare and a trap. Rom. xi. 9. God and your majesty Protect mine innocence, or I fall into The trap is laid for me! Shak. 3. 3. A wooden instrument shaped somewhat like a shoe, used in the game of trapball. It consists of a pivoted arm on one end of which is placed the ball to be thrown into the air by striking the other end. Also, a machine for throwing into the air glass balls, clay pigeons, etc., to be shot at.
4. 4. The game of trapball.
5. 5. A bend, sag, or partitioned chamber, in a drain, soil pipe, sewer, etc., arranged so that the liquid contents form a seal which prevents passage of air or gas, but permits the flow of liquids.
6. 6. A place in a water pipe, pump, etc., where air accumulates for want of an outlet.
7. 7. A wagon, or other vehicle. Thackeray.
8. 8. A kind of movable stepladder. Knight.
Trap stairs, a staircase leading to a trapdoor. — Trap tree (Bot.) the jack; — so called because it furnishes a kind of birdlime. See 1st Jack.