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.