scupper

views updated May 29 2018

scup·per1 / ˈskəpər/ • n. (usu. scuppers) a hole in a ship's side to carry water overboard from the deck. ∎  an outlet in the side of a building for draining water.scup·per2 • v. [tr.] chiefly Brit. sink (a ship or its crew) deliberately. ∎ inf. prevent from working or succeeding; thwart: plans for a casino were scuppered by a public inquiry.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

scupper

views updated May 29 2018

scupper1 opening in a ship's side on a level with the deck. XV. perh. — AN. aphetic deriv. of OF. escopir (mod. écopir) :- Rom. *skuppīre spit, of imit. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

scupper

views updated Jun 11 2018

scupper2 (mil. sl.) surprise and massacre: (pass.) be done for. XIX. of unkn. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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