nape

Etymology 1

From Middle English nape, naape, of uncertain origin. Possibly from Old French hanap (“goblet”), from Frankish *hnapp, from Proto-Germanic *hnappaz ( > Old English hnæpp, hnæp (“cup, bowl, goblet”)), as there is a hollow at the base of the skull. More at nap.

noun

1. The back part of the neck.
   He was still stroking Radar, long glides of his hand from nape to tail. 2022, Stephen King, chapter 8, in Fairy Tale, page 132
2. (zoology) The part of a fish or bird immediately behind the head.

Etymology 2

From Middle English nape, from Old French nape, nappe (“a cloth”), from Medieval Latin nappa, napa (“cloth, table-cloth, sheet”), alteration of Latin mappa (“a cloth, napkin, towel”). More at map, apron.

noun

1. (obsolete) A tablecloth.

Etymology 3

Short for napalm.

noun

1. (military, slang) Napalm.
   RHAH: They got through Alpha Company! Anything behind you don't identify itself, blow it away. Two - air strike's coming in. They gonna lay snake and nape right on the perimeter so stay tight in your holes and don't leave 'em. 1986, Oliver Stone, Platoon (film script)

verb

1. (transitive, military, slang) To bombard with napalm.