dry well

noun

1. a drainage pit lined with loose stonework for the leaching of liquid wastes.
2. absorbing well.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry well¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

He was running with his head down when all of a sudden he pitched headlong into a dry well.

From Project Gutenberg

If a little aqua-fortis be mixed with the water, the writing will dry well, and not run out of its form when the paper is wetted.

From Project Gutenberg

Remove skins, dry well and brown in heated oil or butter on top of stove or in oven.

From Project Gutenberg

It was now a rescuing hand put out to lift him from the dry well of gloom.

From Project Gutenberg

They brought him down the stairs, which were found to lead to the bottom of a dry well in the middle of the tower.

From Project Gutenberg