handclapping

hand +‎ clapping

handclapping (countable and uncountable, plural handclappings)

1. The activity of clapping hands, especially as part of a musical performance.
   • 1904, Carolyn Wells, “The Debate”, in Patty at Home, New York, N.Y.: Dodd, Mead & Company, →OCLC, page 12:

     With an air of having accomplished her intention, Aunt Alice sat down amid great cheers and handclappings from the opposite side.

   • 1945, Betty Miller, On the Side of the Angels, London: Capuchin Classics, published 2012, →ISBN, page 102:

     The open air, like a vast bell of glass, clamped down over them, muffling the volume, reducing the impact and precision of their notes: for all its ardour, the Linfield Rhythm Quartette remained a background noise only; an accompaniment to the talk, the laughter, the sudden shouts and handclappings.

   • 1950, Allan Nevins, “The Democratic Rupture”, in The Emergence of Lincoln, volumes II (Prologue to Civil War, 1859-1861), New York, N.Y., London: Charles Scribner’s Sons, →ISBN, section VI, page 223:

     The bright smiles and handclappings which Charleston ladies bestowed upon the receding delegates were applause for an irrevocable step toward war; […]

   • 2007 June 30, Jon Pareles, “Far Beyond Flamenco, a Zest for Rhythms (and Politics)”, in New York Times‎:

     But passages of traditionalist flamenco, with Mr. Giménez accompanied by six-beat handclapping, were soon overlaid with DJ Panko’s scratching or Javier Martin’s thumb-popping bass lines.