thrapple

/ˈθɹæp(ə)l/

Etymology

The noun is derived from Late Middle English thropul, þropul (“trachea, windpipe”); further etymology uncertain, but possibly a variant of throte-bolle (“laryngeal prominence, Adam’s apple; larynx; epiglottis; animal’s esophagus or neck; flesh covering throat of a deer”) [and other forms] (whence English throat-boll (obsolete)), from Old English þrotbolla [and other forms], from þrote (“throat”) + bolla (“bowl”) (possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰel- (“to blow; to swell up”)). The verb is derived from the noun.

thrapple means the throat, especially the gullet or windpipe. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.

Why this word is great

THRAPPLE — [Noun, Verb] A noun for the throat, gullet, or windpipe; a verb meaning to strangle or throttle. The noun is from Late Middle English thropul, of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of throte-bolle (from Old English þrotbolla, from þrote ("throat") + bolla ("bowl")). The verb is derived from the noun. Unlike "throat," a neutral anatomical corridor, or "throttle," a modern mechanical choke, thrapple is a word of rustic, visceral effort. It is the farmer’s hand feeling the swallow of a horse, the taut cord a hangman’s noose seeks out, and the working bulge of a drink taken after hard labor—the mortal vessel for both song and silence.

noun

The throat, especially the gullet or windpipe.“A greater quantitie of victuall is carried from Zeila, [...] and beastes also, as namely sheepe, [...] as also certaine other all white with tayles a fathome long, and writhen like a vine branche, hauing thropples vnder their throtes like bulles.”

verb

To strangle, to throttle.“Then Mr. Weft began his tale, how he had been collared and well nigh thrappled in his ain shop; [...]”