rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhaspHinged fastener
noun / verb

hasp

HASP/hæsp/

A hinged metal fastener that fits over a loop, or securing something with it.

The chest's hinged hasp fits over a metal loop across the seam.

Close-up of a metal hasp mounted across the seam of a wooden chest: its hinged strap lies over a separate staple, which protrudes through the strap’s slot.
Etymology
haspOld Englishfastening, clip

Old English hæpse meant a fastening or clip. The modern hasp preserves that securing function in a hinged strap that fits over a staple.

In context

The 1928 Club317:43
brought up an old japanned tin case, with a cover to it, and a hasp to hang it up by—the sort of thing they use, on board ship
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins | Part 1: The Loss of the Diamond | Full Audiobook

More examples

  • The old trunk has two rusty hasps.
  • She slips a padlock through the loop to secure the hasp.
  • We hasped the storage chest before leaving.

Forms

hasp · hasps · hasped · hasping

Similar words

latch
Usually catches rather than folding over a metal loop.
bolt
Secures a door by sliding into a socket or bracket.