Meaning of scupper in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈskəpər/

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  1. Verb

    scupper

    Etymology

    late 19th century (as military slang in the sense ‘kill, especially in an ambush’): of unknown origin. The sense ‘sink’ dates from the 1970s

    Definitions

    1. wait in hiding to attack

    Derived terms

  2. 2. put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position

    Derived terms

  3. Noun

    scupper

    Etymology

    late Middle English: perhaps via Anglo-Norman French from Old French escopir‘to spit’; compare with German Speigatt, literally ‘spit hole’

    Definitions

    1. drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard

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