/seep/ , v.i.
1. to pass, flow, or ooze gradually through a porous substance: Water seeps through cracks in the wall.
2. (of ideas, methods, etc.) to enter or be introduced at a slow pace: The new ideas finally seeped down to the lower echelons.
3. to become diffused; permeate: Fog seeped through the trees, obliterating everything.
v.t.
4. to cause to seep; filter: The vodka is seeped through charcoal to purify it.
n.
5. moisture that seeps out; seepage.
6. a small spring, pool, or other place where liquid from the ground has oozed to the surface of the earth.
[ 1780-90; perh. var. of dial. sipe, itself perh. continuing OE sipian (c. MLG sipen ) ]