from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sponge \Sponge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sponged} (sp[u^]njd); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Sponging} (sp[u^]n"j[i^]ng).]
1. To cleanse or wipe with a sponge; as, to sponge a slate or
a cannon; to wet with a sponge; as, to sponge cloth.
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2. To wipe out with a sponge, as letters or writing; to
efface; to destroy all trace of. --Hooker.
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3. Fig.: To deprive of something by imposition. "How came
such multitudes of our nation . . . to be sponged of their
plate and their money?" --South.
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4. Fig.: To get by imposition or mean arts without cost; as,
to sponge a breakfast. --Swift.
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