[AFTER- 6 + CLAP, blow, shock.] An unexpected stroke after the recipient has ceased to be on his guard; a subsequent surprise; ‘an unexpected event happening after an affair is supposed to be at an end.’ J.
a. 1420. Occleve, De Reg. Princ., 855. That after-clap in my mynde so depe Ifycched is.
1513. More, Rich. III. (1641), 404. To provide for after clappes that might happen and chance.
1535. Latimer, Serm., I. 27. He can give us an after-clap, when we least ween.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. iii. 31. Who fearing afterclaps, had strongly fortified the Castle.
1663. Butler, Hudibr., I. iii. 4. What plaguy Mischiefs and Mishaps Do dog him still with After claps.
1755. Mem. Capt. P. Drake, II. iii. 162. I desired a Receipt to prevent any Afterclaps, which he readily granted.
1851. Melville, Whale, xviii. 101. Fear of after-claps.
1862. S. Lucas, Secularia, 12. The mitigated afterclap of this [the French] Revolution, in 1848.
