Obs. rare. [f. CARP v.1]

1

  a.  Discourse. b. Power of speech. c. Carping speech, cavil (with play on CARP sb.1).

2

c. 1325.  E. E. Allit. P., A. 882. In sounande notez a gentyl carpe. Ibid., B. 23. Kryst kydde hit hymself in a carp onez. Ibid., B. 1327. Þat he ful clanly bi-cuv-er his carp bi þe laste.

3

1618.  Mynshul, Ess. Prison, 1st Ep. Ded. i. Carpes haue bin good cheap this Lent, for I haue had more than I desired for nothing.

4

  ¶ Associated with CARK.

5

1548.  Udall, etc. Erasm. Par. Mark viii. 57 a. Their vayne and superfluous carpe and care.

6