mop 1
/mop/ , n. , v. , mopped, mopping .
n.
1. a bundle of coarse yarn, a sponge, or other absorbent material, fastened at the end of a stick or handle for washing floors, dishes, etc.
2. a thick mass of hair.
3. a polishing wheel having several layers of cloth secured by a boss.
v.t.
4. to rub, wipe, clean, or remove with a mop (often fol. by up ): to mop up a spill.
5. to wipe as if with a mop: to mop the face with a handkerchief.
v.i.
6. to clean or wipe with or as if with a mop (often fol. by up ): First he swept, then he mopped up.
7. mop the floor with . See floor (def. 15).
8. mop up ,
a. Mil. to clear (ground, trenches, towns, etc.) of scattered or remaining enemy combatants after attacking forces have conquered the area.
b. Informal. to dispose of; complete; finish: He mopped up the rest of his business and went on a vacation.
[ 1375-1425; earlier map, late ME mappe, apocopated var. of mappel mappula a cloth, equiv. to L mapp ( a ) napkin + -ula -ULE ]
mop 2
/mop/ , v. , mopped, mopping , n.
v.i.
1. to make a disappointed or unhappy face; grimace: an unruly child that mops and mows.
n.
2. a wry face; grimace.
[ 1560-70; akin to D moppen to pout ]