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dowse

1

[ dous ]

verb (used with or without object)

, dowsed, dows·ing,


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

/ daʊs /

verb

  1. See douse
    a variant spelling of douse 1


dowse

2

/ daʊz /

verb

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

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Derived Forms

  • ˈdowser, noun
  • ˈdowser, noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dowse1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of dowse1

C17: of unknown origin

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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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