Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give . . .; but give me the damsel to wife.
Gen. xxxiv. 12.
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, 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, n. A blow on the face. [Low] Colman.
Dows"er (?), n. 1. A divining rod used in searching for water, ore, etc., a dowsing rod. [Colloq.]