Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To cause or suffer to lie in a fluid till the substance has imbibed what it can contain; to macerate in water or other liquid; to steep, as for the purpose of softening or freshening; as, to soak cloth; to soak bread; to soak salt meat, salt fish, or the like.

2. (v. t.) To drench; to wet thoroughly.

3. (v. t.) To draw in by the pores, or through small passages; as, a sponge soaks up water; the skin soaks in moisture.

4. (v. t.) To make (its way) by entering pores or interstices; -- often with through.

5. (v. t.) Fig.: To absorb; to drain.

6. (v. i.) To lie steeping in water or other liquid; to become saturated; as, let the cloth lie and soak.

7. (v. i.) To enter (into something) by pores or interstices; as, water soaks into the earth or other porous matter.

8. (v. i.) To drink intemperately or gluttonously.