n. (Physiol. Chem.) The chemical basis of sponge tissue, a nitrogenous, hornlike substance which on decomposition with sulphuric acid yields leucin and glycocoll. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality or state of being spongy. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. & n. from Sponge, v. [ 1913 Webster ]
Sponging house (Eng. Law),