scupper
noun
- architectural draining feature in ships or buildings
verb
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L332929 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈskʌpə/ / /ˈskʌpɚ/ / /ˈskʊpə/
noun
Etymology: Uncertain. Perhaps from Middle English scope (“scoop”) or Dutch schop (“shovel”) + -er; or from Dutch scheppen (“to draw off”).
- A drainage hole on the deck of a ship.
- A similar opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.
“I have said that our roof was decidedly Biblical in style; but to make it a dry one, something of a nautical character was added to its architecture, for on either side were scuppers, and it was slightly arched in the centre[.]”
verb
Etymology: Of unknown origin; possibly verbized form of Etymology 1, but this is unlikely.
- To thwart or destroy, especially something belonging or pertaining to another.
“The bad media coverage scuppered his chances of being elected.”
“["]The only chance was to get the guns and try a rescue. Of course they may scupper them at once in revenge.["]”