Also 9 lapell(e, lappel. [f. LAP sb.1 + -EL.] That part of the front of a coat which is folded over towards either shoulder.
1789. Mrs. Piozzi, Journ. France, I. 340. A stiff brocaded silk, and green lapels.
1803. Jane Porter, Thaddeus, xiv. (1831), 128. The sleet falling on his dress, lodged in its embroidered lappels.
1838. Dickens, Nich. Nick., xiv. Laying his hand upon the lappel of his threadbare coat.
1876. Geo. Eliot, Dan. Der., V. xxxvi. He … held the lapels of his coat with his thumbs under the collar as his manner was.
attrib. 1824. in S. B. Weeks, South. Quakers & Slavery, 131. [In 1824 Friends in Southern U.S. record their condemnation of] such articles of dress as lapell coats.
1849. Alb. Smith, Pottleton Leg., xxv. 261. With inches of ribbon in their lappel button-holes.
