chape

Chape is a term used in English with several distinct meanings, most commonly in weaponry and in construction, and it also occurs in general French architectural terminology. The word derives from the French chape, meaning hood, cap, or covering.

In the context of swords and scabbards, a chape refers to the metal end fitting at the tip of a scabbard. It protects the blade’s tip and often serves to attach the scabbard to a belt or strap. Chapes are typically made of metal such as brass or steel and vary in style from simple to richly decorated, especially on ceremonial pieces.

In architecture and floor construction, chape denotes a finishing layer of cementitious material laid over a substrate to create a smooth, level surface. In English, this usage is often rendered as screed or topping; in French-language technical literature, chape is the standard term. The chape may be cementitious or lime-based and is prepared to accommodate subsequent floor coverings such as tile, parquet, or carpet.

Beyond these uses, chape can in general refer to a cap-like covering or end piece used to seal or finish an assembly in various crafts, including metalwork and furniture. The term’s exact meaning is thus context-dependent and may vary by region and discipline.