'Sponging' definitions:

Definition of 'Sponging'

From: GCIDE
  • Sponge \Sponge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sponged (sp[u^]njd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sponging (sp[u^]n"j[i^]ng).]
  • 1. To cleanse or wipe with a sponge; as, to sponge a slate or a cannon; to wet with a sponge; as, to sponge cloth. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To wipe out with a sponge, as letters or writing; to efface; to destroy all trace of. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Fig.: To deprive of something by imposition. "How came such multitudes of our nation . . . to be sponged of their plate and their money?" --South. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Fig.: To get by imposition or mean arts without cost; as, to sponge a breakfast. --Swift. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Sponging'

From: GCIDE
  • Sponging \Spon"ging\ (-j[i^]ng), a. & n. from Sponge, v. [1913 Webster]
  • Sponging house (Eng. Law), a bailiff's or other house in which debtors are put before being taken to jail, or until they compromise with their creditors. At these houses extortionate charges are commonly made for food, lodging, etc. [1913 Webster]