- trap (n.)
- late O.E. tręppe "snare, trap," from P.Gmc. *trap- (cf. M.Du. trappe "trap, snare"), related to Gmc. words for "stair, step, tread" (cf. M.Du., M.L.G. trappe, treppe, Ger. Treppe "step, stair"). Probably connected to O.Fr. trape, Sp. trampa "trap, pit, snare," but the exact relationship is uncertain. The connecting notion seems to be "that on which an animal steps." Sense of "deceitful practice, trickery" is first recorded 1680s. Sense in speed trap recorded from 1906. Slang meaning "mouth" is from 1776. The verb is attested from late 14c. (O.E. had betręppan); trap door is first attested late 14c.