dowse
less common spelling of douse
transitive verb
1 : to plunge into water Blanch the green beans then douse them in a bath of ice water.
2a : to throw a liquid on : drench The books were doused in gasoline and set ablaze. doused herself in perfumeb : slosh
3 [originally in argot use (douse the glim meaning “extinguish the light”) and perhaps of distinct origin] : extinguish douse the lights douse the blaze
intransitive verb
: to fall or become plunged into water
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Definition of dowse
dowsed
;dowsing
intransitive verb
: to use a divining rod
transitive verb
: to find (something, such as water) by dowsing
Origin and Etymology of dowse
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1691
DOWSE Defined for English Language Learners
dowse
playDefinition of dowse for English Language Learners
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: to search for an underground supply of water by using a special stick that leads you to it
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