Obs. Also 5 inf. whappyn, 4–6 wappe. [Of obscure origin; possibly an altered form of WARP v.; cf. WRAP v. and wlappe LAP v.2] trans. To wrap, envelop; also, to wrap (a covering) about something.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, xvi. (Magdalen) 524. Þai lad þat body, þat ded was,… wappyt in a furrit mantele.
c. 1420. Wyntoun, Cron., cxlv. 1989. A mantill wappit him about.
c. 1425. Cast. Persev., 1212, in Macro Plays. Whanne ȝe be in bedde browth boþe, wappyd wel in worthy wede.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 287/1. Lappyn, or whappyn in cloþys, involvo. Ibid., 515/2. Wappon’, or hyllyn’ wythe clothys or oþer lyke, tego, contego. Ibid. Wappyn’, or wyndyn’ abowte yn clothys, involvo.
c. 1440. York Myst., xlvi. 274. It [Mary’s girdle] was wonte for to wappe þat worthy virgine.
c. 1440. Alphabet of Tales, 211. Þat womman … had a little chylde syttand on hur kne wappid in a clothe.
c. 1460. Towneley Myst., xx. 593. Kythe youre strengthe, And wap you wightly in youre wede.
1501. Douglas, Pal. Hon., Prol. 40. The vmbrate treis that Tytan about wappit.
1542. Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot., VIII. 131. Item, for ix stane merling cord deliverit to George Halyburtoun to wap and mak the lowpes of the somes and thetis, v li. viij s.
Hence † Wapping vbl. sb.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 515/2. Wappynge, happynge or hyllynge (v.rr. lappynge, lappinge), coopertura, coopericio (involucio).
