Definition of dowse

The word "dowse" originates from the Old English word "dūsian," which means "to sink or plummet." In the 15th century, "dowse" emerged as a verb, meaning "to sink or lower something, such as a weapon or a tool, into a hole or cavity." This sense of sinking or plunging has remained a central idea in the word's evolution. In the 17th century, "dowse" took on a more specific meaning in the context of dowsing, a practice involving searching for underground water, minerals, or other hidden materials by walking over the area with a dowser's rod or forked stick. The dowser would reportedly sense the presence of the desired substance by the rod's movement or other signs. Today, "dowse" is used to describe this specific method of divining or searching for hidden things.