Forms: 6–7 entrappe, 6–8 intrap(pe, 6– entrap. [ad. OF. entraper, entrapper, f. en- (see EN-1) + trappe TRAP.]
1. trans. To catch in or as in a trap. Also transf. and fig. to bring unawares into a position of difficulty or danger; to bring (a person) into one’s power by artifice.
α. 1594. Spenser, Amoretti, xxxvii. (J.). That guilefull net … in which … ye entrapped are.
1598. Barret, Theor. Warres, I. ii. 9. Being first entrapped and foundred with the like vice of drunkennesse.
1713. Warder, True Amazons (ed. 2), 55. Many [Wasps in Pots] will be entrap’d.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1776), IV. 272. The wild elephant, upon seeing himself entrapped in this manner, instantly attempts to use violence.
1835. Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., II. xix. 285. Spiders were divided … according to the mode in which they entrap or seize their prey.
1835. Lytton, Rienzi, X. v. 419. He had entrapped the confidence of another.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., II. § 27. 376. The residue of the air originally entrapped in the interstices of the snow.
1868. J. H. Blunt. Ref. Ch. Eng., I. 137. The king was trying to entrap the Pope.
β. 1534. Barnes, Supplic. Hen. VIII., in Wks. (1573), 200/1 (R.). Neither to intrappe them, nor betraye them.
1561. Daus, trans. Bullinger on Apoc. (1573), Pref. 7. The seconde [persecution] … which intrapped also the Authour of this worke.
a. 1649. Drumm. of Hawth., Jas. V., Wks. 109. This interview was to intrap his person.
1678. Wanley, Wond. Lit. World, V. ii. § 59. 471/1. Manuel … was … intrapped in the straights of Cilicia, and his Army miserably cut off.
b. To beguile, bring by artifice to or into.
1851. Hussey, Papal Power, i. 38. Having been at first persuaded or entrapped, into an approval of Pelagius’ doctrines.
1868. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1876), II. viii. 261. Entrapping men to destruction by the literal fulfilment of an oath.
1884. Manch. Exam., 14 June, 4/8. Entrapping the Legislature into conclusions which are not openly declared.
2. With reference to speech: To involve in contradiction, draw into an erroneous statement or compromising admission.
1611. Bible, Ecclus. viii. 11. Rise not vp (in anger) at the presence of an iniurious person, least he lie in waite to entrap thee in thy words.
a. 1714. Sharp, Serm. (1754), IV. viii. 139. The Pharisees and Herodians … had taken counsel together how they might entrap our Saviour in his talk.
1870. Bowen, Logic, ix. 291. Then the respondent is entrapped whether he answers in the Affirmative or the Negative.
