sku:p n. & v. --n. 1
any of
various objects resembling a
spoon, esp.: a a short-handled
deep shovel used
for transferring
grain,
sugar,
coal, coins, etc. b a
large long-handled
ladle used for transferring liquids. c
the excavating
part of a digging-machine etc. d
Med. a long-handled spoonlike
instrument used for
scraping parts of the
body etc. e an instrument used for
serving portions of mashed
potato, ice-cream, etc. 2 a
quantity taken up by a scoop. 3 a
movement of or resembling scooping. 4 a
piece of
news published by a
newspaper etc. in
advance of
its rivals. 5 a large
profit made quickly or by anticipating one's competitors. 6 Mus. a singer's exaggerated
portamento. 7 a scooped-out
hollow etc. --v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by out) hollow
out with or as if with a scoop. 2 (usu. foll. by up)
lift with or as if with a scoop. 3
forestall (a
rival newspaper,
reporter, etc.) with a scoop. 4
secure (a large profit etc.)
esp. suddenly. øscoop-neck the rounded low-cut
neck of a
garment. scoop-net a
net used for
sweeping a
river bottom, or for
catching bait. øøscooper n. scoopful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME f. MDu., MLG schope
bucket etc., rel. to SHAPE]
