v. Obs. [f. L. caupōnāt- ppl. stem of caupōnāri to traffic or trade in, f. caupōnem retail tradesman, huckster, innkeeper.]
1. intr. To sell liquor or victuals, keep a victualling-house.
1656. in Blount, Glossogr.
1721. in Bailey.
1755. in Johnson; and in mod. Dicts.
2. trans. To deal like a huckster with; to traffic in for the sake of gain. fig. [so L. caupōnāri.]
1653. Gauden, Hierasp., 195. By cauponating Religion and handling the Scriptures deceitfully.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., s.v., To cauponate a war, to make war for money.
1715. Bentley, Serm., x. 360. All the Privileges of the gospel truck’d and cauponated by Popery.
