Literary notes about chap (AI summary)
The term "chap" demonstrates a delightful duality in literature, serving both as a shorthand for "chapter" and as an informal reference to a fellow man. In many historical and philosophical texts, it appears as an abbreviated structural marker—as in scholarly treatises where "chap." denotes a section of discussion ([1], [2], [3])—while in narrative fiction it frequently characterizes people with a familiar, sometimes playful tone. Writers employ it to underscore camaraderie or gentle ribbing, as seen in remarks like “old chap” that evoke warmth or mild humor ([4], [5], [6]). This linguistic versatility lends the word an enduring charm in both expository and conversational contexts.
- [27] Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada, chap.
— from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole - Note 12 ( return ) [ Of this tabernacle of Moses, with its several parts and furniture, see my description at large, chap.
— from Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus - The student will find it worth while to compare this passage with the following—Chap.
— from The Ethics of Aristotle by Aristotle - He pointed to the portrait of his grandfather on the wall to his right. —Do you see that old chap up there, John?
— from A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce - Then he added: “Poor old chap, you’re white and jaded—you ain’t well a bit—no wonder you’re a little flighty and off your balance.
— from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Complete by Mark Twain - I was took in dreadful, for I'm a straightforrard chap,–up to no tricks, mum.
— from The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
