dowse I. variant of douse II. \ˈdau̇]z sometimes ]s\verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: origin unknown intransitive verb 1.: to use the divining rod (as in search of water or ore) 2.: to seek something with meticulous care especially with the aid of a mechanical device < electrical devices for use in dowsing for cable > transitive verb : to find (as water) by dowsing