IPA: /ˈɪr.læp/
KK: /ˈɪrˌlæp/
A part of a hat or clothing that covers the ears, often used for warmth or protection from the wind.
She wore a hat with earlaps to keep her ears warm in the cold weather.
The word 'earlap' originates from Old English 'ear' (meaning ear) and 'lap' (meaning to fold or wrap). An earlap refers to a part of clothing that covers the ears, thus combining the meanings of ear and the action of wrapping or covering.
Think of 'ear' as the part of the body that needs covering and 'lap' as the action of wrapping around it — that's why an earlap is something that wraps around the ears.