Crossword Dictionary
Wrap was a phrase used by the director in the early days of the film industry to signal the end of filming. Since the 1920s, filmmakers have been using this phrase when principal photography is concluded and the film is ready to go into post-production. At that point, it is traditional to hold a wrap party for the cast and crew of the film. This marks the end of the actors' collaboration (except for possible dubbing or pick-ups) on the film. They may be called in to promote the film when it is about to be released.
The term "wrap" is sometimes said to be an acronym for "Wind, Reel and Print", although this is disputed, and most likely a backronym.
WRAP
wrap, wap, wraps, wrapt, rewrap, wrapped - v
to enclose in something wound or folded about
Synonyms
bosom, bower, circumfuse, cocoon, embosom, embower, embrace, enclose (also inclose), encompass, enfold, enshroud, enswathe, envelop, enwrap, invest, involve, lap, mantle, muffle, shroud, swathe, veil
Examples
I'm trying to wrap up everything as fast as I can, Logan said.
That evening all the women got together to wrap gifts.
He reached into his pocket to wrap his hand around the orb.
Etymology
early 14c., wrappen, "to wind (something around something else), cover (something), conceal; bind up, swaddle; fold (something) up or back on itself," of uncertain origin, perhaps via Scandinavian (compare Danish dialectal vravle "to wind"), from PIE *werp- "to turn, wind," from root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend." Or perhaps a variant of lap (v.2). To wrap up "put an end to" is from 1926. Related: Wrapped; wrapping. Wrapping paper is from 1715.