1. v. & n.
--v. (slopped, slopping)
1. (often foll. by over) a intr. spill or flow over the edge of a vessel. b tr. allow to do this.
2 tr. make (the floor, clothes, etc.) wet or messy by slopping, spill or splash liquid on.
3 intr. (usu. foll. by over) gush; be effusive or maudlin.
--n.
1. a quantity of liquid spilled or splashed.
2 weakly sentimental language.
3 (in pl.) waste liquid, esp. dirty water or the waste contents of kitchen, bedroom, or prison vessels.
4 (in sing. or pl.) unappetizing weak liquid food.
5 Naut. a choppy sea.
Phrases and idioms:
slop about move about in a slovenly manner. slop-basin Brit. a basin for the dregs of cups at table. slop out carry slops out (in prison etc.). slop-pail a pail for removing bedroom or kitchen slops.
Etymology: earlier sense 'slush', prob. rel. to slyppe: cf. COWSLIP 2. n.1 a workman's loose outer garment.
2 (in pl.) ready-made or cheap clothing.
3 (in pl.) clothes and bedding supplied to sailors in the navy.
4 (in pl.) archaic wide baggy trousers esp. as worn by sailors.
Etymology: ME: cf. OE oferslop surplice f. Gmc