Definition: dowse

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

dowse
     n : searching for underground water or minerals by using a
         dowsing rod [syn: dowsing, rhabdomancy]
     v 1: wet thoroughly [syn: douse]
     2: use a divining rod in search of underground water or metal
     3: slacken; "douse a rope" [syn: douse]
     4: cover with liquid; pour liquid onto; "souse water on his hot
        face" [syn: drench, douse, soak, sop, souse]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Dowse \Dowse\, v. t. [Cf. 1st Douse.]
   1. To plunge, or duck into water; to immerse; to douse.

   2. [Cf. OD. doesen to strike, Norw. dusa to break.] To beat
      or thrash. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
Dowse \Dowse\, v. i.
   To use the dipping or divining rod, as in search of water,
   ore, etc.

         Adams had the reputation of having dowsed successfully
         for more than a hundred wells.           --Eng. Cyc.
Dowse \Dowse\, n.
   A blow on the face. [Low] --Colman.