scupper

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈskʌp.ə/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈskʌp.ɚ/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʌpə(ɹ)

From Dutch scheppen (“to draw off”).

scupper (plural scuppers)

1. (nautical) A drainage hole on the deck of a ship.
2. (architecture) A similar opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.

• scupper hose
• scupper nail
• scupper plug

Of unknown origin; possibly verbized form of Etymology 1, but this is unlikely.

scupper (third-person singular simple present scuppers, present participle scuppering, simple past and past participle scuppered)

1. (Britain) Thwart or destroy, especially something belonging or pertaining to another; compare scuttle.

   The bad media coverage scuppered his chances of being elected.

   • 2002, Hugo Young, The Guardian (2 Jul):

     "We can't allow US tantrums to scupper global justice."

• cuppers