Found 2 items, similar to mousetrap.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: mousetrap mousetrap n 1: a trap for catching mice 2: (American football) a play in which a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and then blocked off as the runner goes through the place the lineman vacated [syn: trap play]
English → English (gcide) Definition: mousetrap mousetrap \mouse"trap`\, mouse trap \mouse" trap`\, n. Any device that catches, and usually kills, mice. They are of various designs, the most common being a stiff loop of wire mounted on a small wooden platform base and attached to a strong spring, which holds the loop firmly against the base. To activate the trap, the loop is pulled through a 180[deg] arc against the tension of the spring and held against the base by a delicate metal catch, which can keep the loop from moving, though in a state of high tension. The metal catch is moved when a mouse tries to take a piece of bait attached to it, releasing the loop which forcefully moves though an arc, usually killing the mouse. A larger version of the same device is used as a rat trap. [1913 Webster]