Definitions for "Sponger"
Fig.: A parasitical dependent; a hanger-on.
Unlike the moocher, a sort of prodigal Holy Fool to whom all right-thinking people must be generous, the sponger is a greedy, calculating parasite. Giving to the moocher can be a momentary rebellion against the project-oriented economic life; only suckers, marks, and soft touches give to a sponger. See: CADGER.
One employed in gathering sponges.
a workman employed to collect sponges
Keywords:  hope, hangs, advantage, gain, host
a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage
Keywords:  uses, one
One who sponges, or uses a sponge.