A piece of bread soaked in liquid like gravy or sauce; something given to calm someone down or keep them quiet.
From Old English 'sopp,' related to the verb 'sop' meaning 'to dip' or 'soak.' Originally described bread dipped in wine or gravy, a common medieval meal for servants and peasants.
A 'sop' also means a small gift or payment meant to appease someone who's upset—like giving someone a piece of bread to distract them—which is why we say 'a sop to' when describing something meant to shut people up!
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