From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Chape \Chape\, n. [F., a churchman's cope, a cover, a chape, fr.
L. cappa. See Cap.]
1. The piece by which an object is attached to something, as
the frog of a scabbard or the metal loop at the back of a
buckle by which it is fastened to a strap.
[1913 Webster]
2. The transverse guard of a sword or dagger.
[1913 Webster]
3. The metal plate or tip which protects the end of a
scabbard, belt, etc. --Knight.
[1913 Webster]