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douse1 definition

douse (do̵us)

transitive verb doused, dousing dous′·ing

  1. Obsolete to hit forcefully
  2. Naut. to lower (sails) quickly
  3. Informal to pull off (shoes, clothes, etc.)
  4. Informal to put out (a light or fire) quickly

Etymology: 16th-c. slang, ? akin to MDu dossen, to beat noisily

douse2 definition

douse (do̵us)

transitive verb doused, dousing dous′·ing

  1. to plunge or thrust suddenly into liquid
  2. to drench; pour liquid over

Etymology: < ? douse

intransitive verb

to get immersed or drenched

noun

a drenching
douse3 definition

douse (do̵uz)

intransitive verb doused, dousing dous′·ing

dowse

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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