sap
Cross references:
1. weaken
1. sap \'sap\ n [ME, fr. OE sp; akin to OHG saf sap] 1a: the fluid
part of a plant; specif : a watery solution that circ ulates through a
plant's vascular system 1b1: a body fluid (as blood) essential to life,
health, or vigor 1b2: bodily health and vigor : VITALITY 2: a foolish
gullible person 3: BLACKJACK, BLUDGEON
2. sap vt or sapped; or sap.ping 1: to drain or deprive of sap 2: to
knock out with a sap
3. sap n [MF & OIt; MF sappe hoe, fr. OIt Zappa] : the extension of a
trench from within the trench itself to a point benea th an enemy's
fortifications
4. sap vb or sapped; or sap.ping : to proceed by or execute a sap 1: to
subvert by digging or eroding the substratum or foundation : UN DERMINE 2:
to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of 3: to operate against or
pierce by a sap