·vi To fall suddenly into water.
II. Douse ·vt To put out; to Extinguish.
III. Douse ·vt To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly; as, douse the topsail.
IV. Douse ·vt To plunge suddenly into water; to Duck; to Immerse; to Dowse.
To lower or slacken down suddenly; expressed of a sail in a squall of wind, an extended hawser, &c. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book