dowse n 1: searching for underground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod [syn: {dowse}, {dowsing}, {rhabdomancy}] v 1: wet thoroughly [syn: {douse}, {dowse}] 2: use a divining rod in search of underground water or metal 3: slacken; "douse a rope" [syn: {douse}, {dowse}] 4: cover with liquid; pour liquid onto; "souse water on his hot face" [syn: {drench}, {douse}, {dowse}, {soak}, {sop}, {souse}]
Dowse \Dowse\, v. t. [Cf. 1st {Douse}.] 1. To plunge, or duck into water; to immerse; to douse. [1913 Webster] 2. [Cf. OD. doesen to strike, Norw. dusa to break.] To beat or thrash. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]
Dowse \Dowse\, v. i. To use the dipping or divining rod, as in search of water, ore, etc. [1913 Webster] Adams had the reputation of having dowsed successfully for more than a hundred wells. --Eng. Cyc. [1913 Webster]
Dowse \Dowse\, n. A blow on the face. [Low] --Colman. [1913 Webster]