Old English læppa, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lap, German Lappen 'piece of cloth'. The word originally denoted a fold or flap of a garment (compare with lapel), later specifically one that could be used as a pocket or pouch, or the front of a skirt when held up to catch or carry something (Middle English), hence the area between the waist and knees as a place where a child could be nursed or an object heldMiddle English (as a verb in the sense 'coil, fold, or wrap'): from lap. Sense 1 of the noun and verb date from the mid 19th centOld English lapian, of Germanic origin; related to Middle Low German and Middle Dutch lapen