[f. CLAPPER sb.1]
1. trans. Bell-ringing. To sound (a bell) by pulling a rope attached to the clapper.
1872. Ellacombe, Bells of Ch., i. 25. Bells are sometimes chimed by what is called ‘clocking’ or ‘clappering’ them; that is, by hitching the rope round the flight or tail of the clapper, so as to pull it athwart against the side of the bell.
1882. J. B. Lennard, in Standard, 27 March, 6/7. More bells have been cracked from being ‘clappered’ than from any other cause.
2. intr. To make a noise like a clapper.
1884. F. M. Crawford, Rom. Singer, I. 230. The clattering clappering click of the castanets.
