Douse

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DOUSED (doust); p. pr. & vb. n. DOUSING.] [Cf. douse, and O. D. donsen, to strike with the fist on the back, Sw. damsa, to fall down violently and noisily, and Gr. δύειν, fut. δύσω, to plunge into.]

1. To thrust or plunge into water; to dip; to dowse.
2. (Naut.) To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly; as, douse the topsail.
3. [Corrupted from dout, q. v.] To extinguish. “Douse the glim.” W. Scott.