dowse

¹

[ dous ]

verb (used with or without object)

, dowsed, dows·ing,

1. douse.

dowse

²

[ douz ]

verb (used without object)

, dowsed, dows·ing.

1. to search for underground supplies of water, metal, etc., by the use of a divining rod.

verb (used with object)

, dowsed, dows·ing.

1. to search for (as water) by or as if by dowsing.

dowse

¹

/ daʊz /

verb

1. intr to search for underground water, minerals, etc, using a divining rod; divine

dowse

²

/ daʊs /

verb

1. a variant spelling of douse 1

Derived Forms

• ˈdowser, noun
• ˈdowser, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dowse¹

First recorded in 1685–95; originally dialect (SW England); origin obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of dowse¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Directed by Michael Dowse, What If, in select theaters Aug. 8, sees Radcliffe tackle his most “adult” role to date: romcom lead.

From The Daily Beast

In the rooms of that society is preserved the Dowse Library.

From Project Gutenberg

Soon a hurried order to “Dowse top-gallant-sails and reef top-sails” made me slide down rather hastily from my elevated position.

From Project Gutenberg

"You are not going to Mr. and Mrs. Dowse, Violet," said he promptly.

From Project Gutenberg

And there's a pail of water and soap there by the doorway; it will do you no harm to dowse with it.

From Project Gutenberg

Them hot-headed Kentuckians, y' know, they'd dowse a feller's glim for less 'n that.

From Project Gutenberg