bouse

¹

Or bowse

[bous, bouz]

verb (used with object)

Nautical.

boused, bousing 

1. to haul with tackle.

bouse

²

Or bowse

[booz, bouz]

noun

1. liquor or drink.

2. a drinking bout; carouse.

verb (used with or without object)

boused, bousing 

1. to drink, especially to excess.

bouse

/ baʊz /

verb

1. (tr) nautical to raise or haul with a tackle

Word History and Origins

Origin of bouse¹

First recorded in 1585–95; of uncertain origin

Origin of bouse²

1250–1300; Middle English bous strong drink < Middle Dutch būsen drink to excess; booze

Word History and Origins

Origin of bouse¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

A bacon bouse of two-score ribs, A wattling of tripe—support of clans— Of every food pleasant to man, Meseemed the whole was gathered there.

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There let him bouse and deep carouse     Wi’ bumpers flowing o’er; Till he forgets his loves or debts,     An’ minds his griefs no more.’”

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The two biberons sat down to partake of the supper, and prepare their stomachs, as Innerkepple said, for another bouse of the grand liquor.

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I was an innkeeper, who lov'd to bouse, J was a joiner, and built up a house.

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I saw them running, like mice, up the shrouds, as they boused up the mainsail, and heard them chaunt a cheering chorus, as they heaved in the slack of the cable.

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