Douse \Douse\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Doused; p. pr. & vb. n. Dousing.]

[Cf. Dowse, and OD. donsen to strike with the fist on the back, Sw. dunsa to fall down violently and noisily; perh. akin to E. din.]

1. To plunge suddenly into water; to duck; to immerse; to dowse. --Bp. Stillingfleet.

2. (Naut.) To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly; as, douse the topsail.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)