'Scupper' definitions:

Definition of 'scupper'

noun

Drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard

verb

Wait in hiding to attack [syn: ambush, scupper, bushwhack, waylay, lurk, ambuscade, lie in wait]

verb

Put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position [syn: queer, expose, scupper, endanger, peril]

From: GCIDE

Scupper \Scup"per\, n. [OF. escopir, escupir, to spit, perhaps for escospir, L. ex + conspuere to spit upon; pref. con- + spuere to spit. Cf. Spit, v.] (Naut.) An opening cut through the waterway and bulwarks of a ship, so that water falling on deck may flow overboard; -- called also scupper hole. [1913 Webster]
Scupper hose (Naut.), a pipe of leather, canvas, etc., attached to the mouth of the scuppers, on the outside of a vessel, to prevent the water from entering. --Totten.
Scupper nail (Naut.), a nail with a very broad head, for securing the edge of the hose to the scupper.
Scupper plug (Naut.), a plug to stop a scupper. --Totten. [1913 Webster]