clip·per (klpr)
n.
1. One that cuts, shears, or clips.
2. An instrument or tool for cutting, clipping, or shearing. Often used in the plural: nail clippers.
3. Nautical A sharp-bowed sailing vessel of the mid-19th century, having tall masts and sharp lines and built for great speed.
4. One that moves very fast.
5. Electronics See limiter.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
There was a huge need for speed to bring spices fresh to market, the fastest ships commanded the highest shipping rates. Clip is a word meaning fast, quick. The clipper ships had special rigging and a sleek design to race across the trade routes bringing goods to market, and you thought MacDonald's invented fast foods?
The clipper ship "Rainbow" [launched in 1843] 159' long 52 ' wide could go from New York to China back in 102 days, earning $45,000.00 for her owners more than it cost to build it.
information from The History Channel
mark chimps-are-built-for-comfort-not-speed Bailey