scupper Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard
  2. verb wait in hiding to attack
    lie in wait; lurk; bushwhack; ambush; waylay; ambuscade.
  3. verb put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position
    endanger; expose; peril; queer.

WordNet

Scup"per noun
Etymology
OF. escopir, escupir, to spit, perhaps for escospir, L. ex + conspuere to spit upon; pref. con- + spuere to spit. Cf. Spit, v.
Definitions
  1. (Naut.) An opening cut through the waterway and bulwarks of a ship, so that water falling on deck may flow overboard; -- called also scupper hole.

Webster 1913