depeople, v. arch.
(dɪˈpiːp(ə)l)
[ad. F. dépeuple-r (1364 in Hatzf.), despeupler (1611 Cotgr.); after people. See de- I. 6, and cf. dispeople, depopulate.]
trans. To deprive of people, destroy the people of, depopulate.
| c 1611 Chapman Iliad xix. 146 Achilles in first fight depeopling enemies. 1615 ― Odyss. ix. 75, I depeopled it, Slew all the men, and did their wives remit. 1848 Lytton Harold (1862) 297 The town, awed and depeopled, submitted to flame and to sword. |