Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHOP, v.t.¹ [G. and D. kappen; Dan. kapper; Gr. κοπτω; Fr. couper; Norm. copper or couper; Ar. كَبَحَ or كَيَفَ kafah or kaifa, to cut. Class Gb, No. 47, 51.]

1. To cut off or separate, by striking with a sharp instrument, either by a single blow, or by repeated blows; as, to chop off a head; to chop wood.
2. To cut into small pieces; to mince; as, to chop meat; to chop straw.
3. To grind and mince with the teeth; to devour eagerly; with up; as, to chop up an entertainment. Dryden.
4. To break or open into chinks or fissures; to crack; to chap. [See Chap.]