I. ˈsap noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sæp; akin to Old High German saf sap
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the fluid part of a plant ; specifically : a watery solution that circulates through a plant's vascular system
b.
(1) : a body fluid (as blood) essential to life, health, or vigor
(2) : bodily health and vigor
2. : a foolish gullible person
3.
[probably short for sapling ]
: blackjack , bludgeon
• sap·less ˈsa-pləs adjective
• sap·less·ness -nəs noun
II. transitive verb
( sapped ; sap·ping )
Date: 1725
1. : to drain or deprive of sap
2. : to knock out with a sap
III. verb
( sapped ; sap·ping )
Etymology: Middle French sapper, from Old Italian zappare, from zappa hoe
Date: 1598
intransitive verb
: to proceed by digging a sap
transitive verb
1. : to subvert by digging or eroding the substratum or foundation : undermine
2.
a. : to gradually diminish the supply or intensity of
sapped her strength
b. : to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of
the illness sapped him of his stamina
3. : to operate against or pierce by a sap
Synonyms: see weaken
IV. noun
Etymology: French sape, from saper
Date: 1642
: the extension of a trench to a point beneath an enemy's fortifications