Some entered the ring in very bad condition, and immediately got a-piping, like hot mutton pies - fell on their own blows, and knapped it every round, till they shewed the white feather and bolted.
1977, Marilynne K. Roach, Encounters with the Invisible World, page 10, ISBN 0690012772.
"That will be sixpence," he said without looking up. She knapped her lips together and turned on her heel without another word.
puhekieltä To bite; to bite off; to break short.
Dr. H. More:
He will knap the spears apieces with his teeth.
Psalms xlvi. 9 (Book of Common Prayer):
He breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder.
1821, John Clare, "The Village Minstrel":
"Horses..turn'd to knap each other at their ease."