bouse

¹

or bowse

[ bous, bouz ]

verb (used with object)

, Nautical.

, boused, bous·ing.

1. to haul with tackle.

bouse

²

or bowse

[ booz, bouz ]

noun

1. liquor or drink.
2. a drinking bout; carouse.

verb (used with or without object)

, boused, bous·ing.

1. to drink, especially to excess.

bouse

/ baʊz /

verb

1. tr nautical to raise or haul with a tackle

Word History and Origins

Origin of bouse¹

First recorded in 1585–95; of uncertain origin

Origin of bouse²

1250–1300; Middle English bous strong drink < Middle Dutch būsen drink to excess; booze

Word History and Origins

Origin of bouse¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

A bacon bouse of two-score ribs, A wattling of tripe—support of clans— Of every food pleasant to man, Meseemed the whole was gathered there.

From Literature

There let him bouse and deep carouse     Wi’ bumpers flowing o’er; Till he forgets his loves or debts,     An’ minds his griefs no more.’”

From Project Gutenberg

The two biberons sat down to partake of the supper, and prepare their stomachs, as Innerkepple said, for another bouse of the grand liquor.

From Project Gutenberg

I was an innkeeper, who lov'd to bouse, J was a joiner, and built up a house.

From Project Gutenberg

I saw them running, like mice, up the shrouds, as they boused up the mainsail, and heard them chaunt a cheering chorus, as they heaved in the slack of the cable.

From Project Gutenberg