SPONGE (2)

Sponge, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sponged (spŭnjd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sponging (spŭn″jĭng).] 1. 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.
2. 2. To wipe out with a sponge, as letters or writing; to efface; to destroy all trace of. Hooker.
3. 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.
4. 4. Fig.: To get by imposition or mean arts without cost; as, to sponge a breakfast. Swift.