I. ˈkəp noun
Etymology: Middle English cuppe, from Old English, from Late Latin cuppa cup, alteration of Latin cupa tub — more at hive
Date: before 12th century
1. : an open usually bowl-shaped drinking vessel
2.
a. : a drinking vessel and its contents
b. : the consecrated wine of the Communion
3. : something that falls to one's lot
4. : an ornamental cup offered as a prize (as in a championship)
5. : something resembling a cup: as
a. : a cup-shaped plant organ
b. : an athletic supporter reinforced usually with plastic to provide extra protection to the wearer
c. : either of two parts of a brassiere that are shaped like and fit over the breasts
d. : the metal case inside a hole in golf ; also : the hole itself
6. : a usually iced beverage resembling punch but served from a pitcher rather than a bowl
7. : a half pint : eight fluid ounces
8. : a food served in a cup-shaped usually footed vessel
a fruit cup
9. : the symbol ∪ indicating the union of two sets — compare cap 7
• cup·like -ˌlīk adjective
•
- in one's cups
II. transitive verb
( cupped ; cup·ping )
Date: 14th century
1. : to treat by cupping
2.
a. : to curve into the shape of a cup
cupped his hands around his mouth
b. : to place in or as if in a cup