touse

[ touz; Scots tooz, toos ]

verb (used with object)

, toused, tous·ing.

1. to handle roughly; dishevel.

verb (used without object)

, toused, tous·ing.

1. to struggle; tussle.

noun

1. a commotion; rumpus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of touse¹

1250–1300; Middle English -t ( o ) usen, in betusen, fortusen to handle roughly (simple verb first recorded in the early 16th century); cognate with Old Frisian tūsen to rend, German zausen to tousle

Example Sentences

He gen'rally stirred up the most of his touse In hustling to save the outside of the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Now you'd better go out and find the man that started all this touse about a leadin' citizen.

From Project Gutenberg

I felt streaked about makin any more touse about a leetle cider, and poured the glass down without squinchin.

From Project Gutenberg

Ned, my boy, just tumble sleepy-headed Charlie there out of his comfortable nap, and touse him into his waking senses again.

From Project Gutenberg

Douse, or Touse s.  a smart blow, particularly on the face, ex.

From Project Gutenberg