The Clap

[capsw]

This is a serious question.  I would like to know why the sexual transmitted disease, 'The Clap', is known by this term? 

[Quizmonster]

Gonorrhea has been called 'clap' since the 16th century. Its origin is uncertain, but in Old French 'clapoir' meant a lump or swelling of the lymph-nodes, especially in the groin...so that seems a pretty likely source.

[Linda F]

Then their was Margaret (a.k.a. Mother) Clap, who was indicted in 1726 in London for keeping a disorderly house in which she procured and encouraged persons to commit sodomy. Maybe the term is in her honour?  Or maybe her name was in honour of the disease.

[Quizmonster]

Given the dates involved in our answers, Linda, it's pretty clear that the lady was named from the disease rather than vice versa. All part of her 'service', if you see what I mean!