touse

American  

[touz, tooz, toos] / taʊz, tuz, tus /

verb (used with object)

toused, tousing

1. to handle roughly; dishevel.

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verb (used without object)

toused, tousing

1. to struggle; tussle.

noun

1. a commotion; rumpus.

Etymology

Origin of touse

1250–1300; Middle English -t ( o ) usen, in betusen, fortusen to handle roughly (simple verb first recorded in the early 16th century); cognate with Old Frisian tūsen to rend, German zausen to tousle

Example Sentences

Researchers have previously found that when people recycle, they feel entitled touse more resources and produce more waste.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2018

"Who's making a—a—a touse about it?" inquired Tutt, perceiving that he had taken the wrong tack.

From By Advice of Counsel by Train, Arthur Cheney

The "Santisima Trinidad," The old "Redoubtable's" hard sides, and ours, Will take the touse of this bombastic blow.

From The Dynasts by Hardy, Thomas

He gen'rally stirred up the most of his touse In hustling to save the outside of the house.

From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn

When he's gouty, he kicks up a most etarnal touse with the great-toe nerve, an' slaps it right into him fore an' aft, the wust kind.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 85, November, 1864 by Various