scupper

scupper
    n 1: drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow
         overboard
    v 1: wait in hiding to attack [syn: {ambush}, {scupper},
         {bushwhack}, {waylay}, {lurk}, {ambuscade}, {lie in wait}]
    2: put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position
       [syn: {queer}, {expose}, {scupper}, {endanger}, {peril}]
    

Scupper \Scup"per\, n. [OF. escopir, escupir, to spit, perhaps
   for escospir, L. ex + conspuere to spit upon; pref. con- +
   spuere to spit. Cf. {Spit}, v.] (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}.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Scupper hose} (Naut.), a pipe of leather, canvas, etc.,
      attached to the mouth of the scuppers, on the outside of a
      vessel, to prevent the water from entering. --Totten.

   {Scupper nail} (Naut.), a nail with a very broad head, for
      securing the edge of the hose to the scupper.

   {Scupper plug} (Naut.), a plug to stop a scupper. --Totten.
      [1913 Webster]