Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈe͡ɪp] (IPA) 
The word "chape" is spelled with the letters C-H-A-P-E. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /tʃeɪp/. This means that the 'ch' sound is a voiceless postalveolar affricate, pronounced like the 'ch' in the word "cheese". The 'a' sound is pronounced like the 'ay' in "day", and the 'e' at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound often heard in unstressed syllables.
Chape:
noun
1. A metal plate or covering that protects the point or tip of a scabbard or sheath, typically made of brass or other similar material. The chape is usually attached to the lower end of the scabbard to enhance its durability and guard against damage.
2. In heraldry, a chape refers to the lower section or part of a shield or coat of arms. It is usually triangular-shaped and occupies the lower portion of the shield, often converging towards a point.
3. In architecture, a chape can also refer to the decorative metal end coverings found on the bottom edges of roof ridges or gables. These coverings serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose, protecting the roofing materials from weathering and offering an embellishment to the overall architectural design.
4. The term "chape" can also be used as a verb, meaning to cover or protect with a plate or piece of metal. For example, "The blacksmith chaped the scabbard with an intricately designed brass plate."
Overall, the term "chape" pertains to different contexts relating to metal coverings or plates used for various purposes, including protecting scabbards, adorning shields, enhancing architectural designs, or as a verb, denoting the action of covering or protecting with metal.
A metal plate at the end of a scabbard; a catch by which a thing is held in its place.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "chape" has a multifaceted etymology, as it originated from various linguistic sources.
One potential origin comes from the Old French word "chape", meaning a cloak or cape. This Old French term was derived from the Latin word "cappa", which was also used to refer to a cloak. Over time, "chape" came to specifically denote the metallic plate or cover used to protect the tip of a sword scabbard or the end of a belt.
Another possible origin comes from the Old English word "ceap", which means a purchase or bargain. This term evolved to also refer to a "reward" or "price". In this context, "chape" might have been associated with the protective monetary value placed on a sword or belt.
