1. (v. t.) To cut by striking repeatedly with a sharp instrument; to cut into pieces; to mince; -- often with up.

2. (v. t.) To sever or separate by one more blows of a sharp instrument; to divide; -- usually with off or down.

3. (v. t.) To seize or devour greedily; -- with up.

4. (v. i.) To make a quick strike, or repeated strokes, with an ax or other sharp instrument.

5. (v. i.) To do something suddenly with an unexpected motion; to catch or attempt to seize.

6. (v. i.) To interrupt; -- with in or out.

7. (v. i.) To barter or truck.

8. (v. i.) To exchange; substitute one thing for another.

9. (v. i.) To purchase by way of truck.

10. (v. i.) To vary or shift suddenly; as, the wind chops about.

11. (v. i.) To wrangle; to altercate; to bandy words.

12. (n.) A change; a vicissitude.

13. (v. t. & i.) To crack. See Chap, v. t. & i.

14. (n.) The act of chopping; a stroke.

15. (n.) A piece chopped off; a slice or small piece, especially of meat; as, a mutton chop.

16. (n.) A crack or cleft. See Chap.

17. (n.) A jaw of an animal; -- commonly in the pl. See Chops.

18. (n.) A movable jaw or cheek, as of a wooden vise.

19. (n.) The land at each side of the mouth of a river, harbor, or channel; as, East Chop or West Chop. See Chops.

20. (n.) Quality; brand; as, silk of the first chop.

21. (n.) A permit or clearance.