Definition

1. Noun:

   • A fastener for a door, lid, or chest: A hasp is a hinged metal strap or plate that fits over a staple (a U-shaped metal loop) and is secured with a pin, padlock, or other locking device to fasten something closed.

2. Verb:

   • To secure or lock with a hasp: The action of fastening something by fitting the hinged metal plate over its staple and then locking it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old wooden chest was secured with a heavy iron hasp and a sturdy padlock.
  • He lifted the hasp and opened the shed door.

• Verb:

  • She carefully hasped the gate shut to keep the animals inside.
  • Make sure you hasp the toolbox before transporting it.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on the hasp": An archaic or regional phrase meaning to be closed or fastened with a hasp.
  • The secret compartment was always kept on the hasp.

Variants and Related Words

• Staple (n): The fixed metal loop over which the hinged part of a hasp fits.
• Latch (n): A similar but often simpler fastening device, typically without a separate locking mechanism like a padlock.

Synonyms

• Noun: Fastener, clasp, latch, hook.
• Verb: Fasten, secure, lock, clasp.

Related Phrases

• "Hasp and staple": A phrase referring to the complete fastening mechanism, consisting of both the hinged plate (hasp) and the fixed loop (staple).
  • The door was fitted with a simple hasp and staple.

Noun

1. a fastener for a door or lid; a hinged metal plate is fitted over a staple and is locked with a pin or padlock

Verb

1. secure or lock with a hasp