harp UK /hɑːp/US /hɑɹp/noun 8verb 4forms 3phrases 3 noun8 •A musical instrument consisting of a body and a curved neck, strung with strings of varying length that are stroked or plucked with the fingers and are vertical to the soundboard when viewed from the end of the body •Any instrument of the same musicological type. •Ellipsis of harp seal.More likely, it was the prospect of meat. Curwen was by now craving a juicy roast – 'even seal chop' – and was always loosing off at tickleasses and harps. — 2006 •(informal) Any musical instrument. •(informal) A harmonica. •(informal) A struck tuned percussion instrument of metal or wooden bars, especially as a function of a theatre organ. •The component of a lamp to which one attaches the lampshade, consisting of a lightweight frame that usually surrounds the bulb with an attachment at the top for the finial.Contains charts and instructions for wiring. Shows sockets, wire, harps, glass chimneys and globes, shade holders, bases, finials, and hundreds of items necessary in the building of lamps. — 1960 •(Scotland) A grain sieve. verb4 •To play on (a harp or similar instrument). •To repeatedly mention a subject, especially so as to nag or complain.Why do you harp on a single small mistake?Why do you harp on about a single small mistake? •To play (a tune) on the harp. •(no longer used) To develop or give expression to by skill and art; to sound forth as from a harp; to hit upon.Thou harped my fear aright. — 1606 formsharped · harping · harps Phrases with harp harp onTo nag about; to complain incessantly or persistently request; to continue to bring up as a point of contention. harp on one stringTo dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence. harp on the same stringTo repeatedly say the same thing.
