All 3 Uses of
porous
in
The Odyssey, by Homer (translated by: Butcher & Lang)
- And of the henchmen and the ready squires, some were mixing for them wine and water in bowls, and some again were washing the tables with porous sponges and were setting them forth, and others were carving flesh in plenty.†
Book 1 *porous = allowing passage through a barrier
- Then Odysseus called to him Telemachus, and the neatherd, and the swineherd, and spake to them winged words: 'Begin ye now to carry out the dead, and bid the women help you, and thereafter cleanse the fair high seats and the tables with water and porous sponges.†
Book 22
- Thereafter they cleansed the fair high seats and the tables with water and porous sponges.†
Book 22
Definition:
allowing passage through a barrier
The barrier can be physical or figurative -- such as:
- a membrane, asphalt or other material that is full of tiny holes that permit penetration by a fluid or gas
- a border or other barrier that is not effective (for example, permitting illegal crossing)
- an ineffective sports defense
- a law or other rule that is full of loopholes