from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Wet \Wet\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Wet} (rarely {Wetted}); p. pr. &
vb. n. {Wetting}.] [AS. w[=ae]tan.]
To fill or moisten with water or other liquid; to sprinkle;
to cause to have water or other fluid adherent to the
surface; to dip or soak in a liquid; as, to wet a sponge; to
wet the hands; to wet cloth. "[The scene] did draw tears from
me and wetted my paper." --Burke.
[1913 Webster]
Ye mists and exhalations, that now rise . . .
Whether to deck with clouds the uncolored sky,
Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers.
--Milton.
[1913 Webster]
{To wet one's whistle}, to moisten one's throat; to drink a
dram of liquor. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]
Let us drink the other cup to wet our whistles.
--Walton.
[1913 Webster]