Strap 1248306 221500075 2008-06-24T19:49:33Z Biscuittin 3955768 added cat {{otheruses}} A '''strap''', sometimes also called '''strop''', is an elongated [[flap]] or [[ribbon]], usually of [[Cloth|fabric]] or [[leather]]. Thin straps are used as part of [[clothing]] or [[baggage]], or bedding such as a [[sleeping bag]]. See for example [[spaghetti strap]], [[shoulder strap]]. A strap differs from a [[belt (clothing)|belt]] mainly in that a strap is usually integral to the item of clothing; either can be used in combination with [[buckle]]s. Straps are also used as [[fastener]]s to attach and bind items, to objects, animals (for example a [[saddle]] on a horse) and people, or even to tie down people and animals, as on an apparatus for corporal punishment. Occasionally a strap is specified after what it binds or holds, e.g. chin strap. ==Word origin== "Strop" is the older form of strap, recorded since 1357 as loop or strap on a harness; strap appeared only since 1620 as a Scottish and/or nautical variant of 'strope.' The word "strop" probably derives from the Old French ''estrop'', itself from the Latin ''stroppus'' "strap, band," perhaps from Etruscan, ultimately from Greek ''strophos'' "twisted band," from ''strephein'' "to turn". ==External links== {{Wiktionary}} * [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=strop&searchmode=none Etymology on line] [[cs:Strop]] [[nl:Strop]] [[ja:ストラップ]] [[pl:Rzemień]] [[Category:Parts of clothing]] [[Category:Textile closures]]