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In speed-skating: a type of ice skate designed for increased speed, consisting of a boot which lifts from the blade at the heel (affording the blade a longer time in contact with the ice) before snapping back into place.
1990s; earliest use found in The Montreal Gazette. From clap + skate, after Dutch klapschaats (from Dutch klap + schaats) with reference to the noise made by the skate when the blade snaps back into place.