For the act of performing a circuit in a race, please see lap (circuit).
A lap was the area created by the upper legs of someone who was sitting down. One could seat someone or rest objects there.
In 2372, Neelix apologized for pushing Alfarian hair pasta in to Tom Paris's lap. (VOY: "Parturition")
In 2377, Harry Kim predicted a great life for the soon-to-be-born Miral Paris, which would incuding piloting a ship from her father's lap. (VOY: "Lineage")