bowse

English

Alternative forms

Etymology 1

From Middle English bousen, from Middle Dutch būsen, buisen, buysen (“to drink heavily”) (Dutch buizen). Related to Middle High German būsen (“to swell, inblow”). More at beer.

Verb

bowse (third-person singular simple present bowses, present participle bowsing, simple past and past participle bowsed)

  1. (archaic) To drink excessively and socially; to carouse.
    • 1819, John Keats, "Lines on the Mermaid Tavern":
      O generous food! / Dressed as though bold Robin Hood, / Would, with his maid Marian, / Sup and bowse from horn and can.

Noun

bowse (plural bowses)

  1. A carouse; a drinking bout; a booze.

Etymology 2

Origin unknown.

Verb

bowse (third-person singular simple present bowses, present participle bowsing, simple past and past participle bowsed)

  1. (nautical) To haul or hoist (something) with a tackle.

Anagrams

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