n. & v.
n. 1 a wad or bundle of cotton or synthetic material fastened to the end of a stick, for cleaning floors etc. 2 a similarly-shaped large or small implement for various purposes. 3 anything resembling a mop, esp. a thick mass of hair. 4 an act of mopping or being mopped (gave it a mop).
v.tr. (mopped, mopping) 1 wipe or clean with or as with a mop. 2 a wipe tears or sweat etc. from (one's face or brow etc.). b wipe away (tears etc.). mop up 1 wipe up with or as with a mop. 2 colloq. absorb (profits etc.). 3 dispatch; make an end of. 4 Mil. a complete the occupation of (a district etc.) by capturing or killing enemy troops left there. b capture or kill (stragglers). moppy adj.
[ ME mappe, perh. ult. rel. to L mappa napkin ]