Possible Clues:

• Political pacifier
• Soaked biscuit, e.g.
• A bribe
• -- up (absorb)
• Something of no great value given to appease
• Soak with liquid
• Propitiatory offering as usual way of doing things, initially
• Placatory concession
• Absorb, (with ''up'')
• Dip, as bread in soft butter