harp

noun

1. A musical instrument consisting of a body and a curved neck, strung with strings of varying length that are stroked or plucked with the fingers and are vertical to the soundboard when viewed from the end of the body

   “The Harpe. […] A harper with his wreſt maye tune the harpe wrong / Mys tunying of an Inſtrument ſhal hurt a true ſonge”

2. A musical instrument consisting of a body and a curved neck, strung with strings of varying length that are stroked or plucked with the fingers and are vertical to the soundboard when viewed from the end of the body
3. (colloquial)Any musical instrument.
4. (colloquial)Any musical instrument.
5. (Scotland)A grain sieve.
6. The component of a lamp to which one attaches the lampshade, consisting of a lightweight frame that usually surrounds the bulb with an attachment at the top for the finial.

   “Contains charts and instructions for wiring. Shows sockets, wire, harps, glass chimneys and globes, shade holders, bases, finials, and hundreds of items necessary in the building of lamps.”

   “Both types of harp have a swiveling shade holder at the top. The threaded stud on the swivel accepts the finial.”

7. (abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis)Ellipsis of harp seal.

   “More likely, it was the prospect of meat. Curwen was by now craving a juicy roast – 'even seal chop' – and was always loosing off at tickleasses and harps.”

verb

1. (derogatory, usually, with-on)To repeatedly mention a subject, especially so as to nag or complain.

   “Why do you harp on a single small mistake?”

   “Why do you harp on about a single small mistake?”

2. (transitive)To play on (a harp or similar instrument).
3. (transitive)To play (a tune) on the harp.
4. (archaic, transitive)To develop or give expression to by skill and art; to sound forth as from a harp; to hit upon.

   “Thou harped my fear aright.”

name

1. A surname originating as an occupation for a player of the harp.