1. The loose part of a coat; the lower part of a garment that plays loosely; a skirt; an apron. Chaucer. 2. An edge; a border; a hem, as of cloth. Chaucer. If he cuts off but a lap of truth's garment, his heart smites him. Fuller. 3. The part of the clothing that lies on the knees or thighs when one sits down; that part of the person thus covered; figuratively, a place of...