loop

n. [ G. luppe an iron lump. Cf. Looping. ] (Iron Works) A mass of iron in a pasty condition gathered into a ball for the tilt hammer or rolls. [ Written also loup. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Ir. & Gael. lub loop, noose, fold, thong, bend, lub to bend, incline. ] 1. A fold or doubling of a thread, cord, rope, etc., through which another thread, cord, etc., can be passed, or which a hook can be hooked into; an eye, as of metal; a staple; a noose; a bight. [ 1913 Webster ]

That the probation bear no hinge, nor loop
To hang a doubt on. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A small, narrow opening; a loophole. [ 1913 Webster ]

And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence
The eye of Reason may pry in upon us. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A curve of any kind in the form of a loop. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Telegraphy) A wire forming part of a main circuit and returning to the point from which it starts. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Acoustics) The portion of a vibrating string, air column, etc., between two nodes; -- called also ventral segment. [ 1913 Webster ]

Loop knot, a single knot tied in a doubled cord, etc. so as to leave a loop beyond the knot. See Illust. of Knot. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Bent, folded, or tied, so as to make a loop; as, a looped wire or string. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Full of holes. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. An instrument, as a bodkin, for forming a loop in yarn, a cord, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The larva of any species of geometrid moths. See Geometrid. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. (Mil.) A small opening, as in the walls of fortification, or in the bulkhead of a ship, through which small arms or other weapons may be discharged at an enemy. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A hole or aperture that gives a passage, or the means of escape or evasion. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An amibiguity or unintended omission in a law, rule, regulation, or contract which allows a party to circumvent the intent of the text and avoid its obligations under certain circumstances. -- used usually in a negative sense; -- distinguished from escape clause in that the latter usually is included to deliberately allow evasion of obligation under certain specified and foreseen circumstances; as, a loophole in the law big enough to drive a truck through. [ PJC ]

a. Provided with loopholes. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Deceitful; cunning; sly. [ Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

p. pr. & vb. n. of Loop. [ 1913 Webster ]

Looping snail (Zool.), any species of land snail of the genus Truncatella; -- so called because it creeps like the measuring worms. [ 1913 Webster ]