Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Sponge \Sponge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sponged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Sponging}.]
   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. To wipe out with a sponge, as letters or writing; to
      efface; to destroy all trace of. --Hooker.

   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. Fig.: To get by imposition or mean arts without cost; as,
      to sponge a breakfast. --Swift.

Sponging \Spon"ging\,
   a. & n. from {Sponge}, v.

   {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.