Douse \Douse\ (dous), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Doused} (doust); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Dousing}.] [Cf. {Dowse}, and OD. donsen to
strike with the fist on the back, Sw. dunsa to fall down
violently and noisily; perh. akin to E. din.]
1. To plunge suddenly into water; to duck; to immerse; to
dowse. --Bp. Stillingfleet.
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2. (Naut.) To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly;
as, douse the topsail.
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