scupper

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
  2. verb wait in hiding to attack
  3. verb put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position

Etymology

Uncertain. Perhaps from Middle English scope (“scoop”) or Dutch schop (“shovel”) + -er; or from Dutch scheppen (“to draw off”).

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