scupper
1[ skuhp-er ]
/ ˈskʌp ər /
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noun
Nautical. a drain at the edge of a deck exposed to the weather, for allowing accumulated water to drain away into the sea or into the bilges.Compare freeing port.
a drain, closed by one or two flaps, for allowing water from the sprinkler system of a factory or the like to run off a floor of the building to the exterior.
any opening in the side of a building, as in a parapet, for draining off rainwater.
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Origin of scupper
1First recorded in 1475–85; Middle English skopor, scopper; further origin uncertain
Other definitions for scupper (2 of 2)
scupper2
[ skuhp-er ]
/ ˈskʌp ər /
verb (used with object)
Origin of scupper
2First recorded in 1880–85; originally British military slang “to massacre, slaughter”; further origin uncertain
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use scupper in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for scupper (1 of 2)
scupper1
/ (ˈskʌpə) /
noun
nautical a drain or spout allowing water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
an opening in the side of a building for draining off water
a drain in a factory floor for running off the water from a sprinkler system
Word Origin for scupper
C15 skopper, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to scoop
British Dictionary definitions for scupper (2 of 2)
scupper2
/ (ˈskʌpə) /
verb (tr) British
slang to overwhelm, ruin, or disable
to sink (one's ship) deliberately
Word Origin for scupper
C19: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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