lappets

Lappet (plural lappets) is a small flap, fold, or loose strip of fabric or skin that can function as an ornamental or functional appendage. The term comes from the French lappet, a diminutive form of lap, meaning a flap or fold. The word is used across different contexts to describe similar flappy extensions.

In textiles and clothing, lappets are decorative fabric flaps that hang from the edges of collars, sleeves, capes, or hoods. They may be arranged in pairs or appear singly, and can be cut in various shapes. Lappets are often used to add movement, texture, or a touch of embellishment to a garment, and may be finished with embroidery or trim.

In ecclesiastical dress, lappets appear as hanging cloths on certain ceremonial garments, providing movement and emphasis during rites. They are designed to drape from specific parts of the vestment and are typically coordinated in color or fabric with the surrounding attire.

In biology, lappet denotes a fleshy fold of skin or tissue, especially on the face or head of some animals. A well-known example is the facial lappets of the lappet-faced vulture. The term is also applied in other taxa to describe similar flap-like structures, including in some insects.

Other uses include common names such as lappet moths, referring to moths in the family Lasiocampidae, which are named for their characteristic flap-like wing or body projections. The word generally conveys the idea of a small, decorative or functional flap attached to a larger form.