Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cupping \Cup"ping\ (k?p"p?ng), n. (Med.)
   The operation of drawing blood to or from the surface of the
   person by forming a partial vacuum over the spot. Also,
   sometimes, a similar operation for drawing pus from an
   abscess.

   {Cupping glass}, a glass cup in which a partial vacuum is
      produced by heat, in the process of cupping.

   {Dry cupping}, the application of a cupping instrument
      without scarification, to draw blood to the surface,
      produce counter irritation, etc.

   {Wet cupping}, the operation of drawing blood by the
      application of a cupping instrument after scarification.