δενδροκοπέω
From LSJ
εἰς τετρημένον πίθον ἀντλεῖν → run water into a punctured pitcher, to the perforated jar bale water, labour in vain, labor in vain
English (LSJ)
A cut down trees, esp. vines and fruit-trees, X.Mem. 2.1.13; δ. χώραν to waste a country by cutting down the trees, Decr. Byz. ap. D.18.90:—Pass., Corn.ND30.
