lop 1 
(lŏp)
(lŏp)tr.v. lopped, lop·ping, lops
1. To cut off (a part), especially from a tree or shrub: lopped off the dead branches.
2. To cut off a part or parts from; trim: lopped the vines back; lopped her curls shorter.
3. To eliminate or excise as superfluous: lopped him from the payroll.
[Perhaps from Middle English loppe, small branches and twigs.]
lopper n.