Clip
/klɪp/noun
A device or fastener used to hold things together, or the act of cutting something short.
Did you know?The verb and noun ‘clip’ are separate historical developments, but both are tied to the idea of fastening or cutting with a quick, decisive motion rather than any occult root.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
clyppan
“to embrace, clasp, or enfold”
Middle English
ME
clippen
“to embrace, hold tightly, or cut short”
Old Norse
ON
klippa
“to clip or cut”
Early Modern English
English
clip
“to cut off, trim, or fasten with a clamp-like device”
Modern English
English
clip
“a fastener, a short segment, or the act of cutting or trimming”