Sous, Souse (F. s&oomac;; colloq. Eng. sous), n.

A corrupt form of Sou.

[Obs.]

Colman, the Elder.

 

© Webster 1913.


Souse (?), n. [OF. sausse. See Sauce.] [Written also souce, sowce, and sowse.]

1.

Pickle made with salt.

2.

Something kept or steeped in pickle; esp., the pickled ears, feet, etc., of swine.

And he that can rear up a pig in his house, Hath cheaper his bacon, and sweeter his souse. Tusser.

3.

The ear; especially, a hog's ear.

[Prov. Eng.]

4.

The act of sousing; a plunging into water.

 

© Webster 1913.


Souse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Soused (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sousing.] [Cf. F. saucer to wet with sauce. See Souse pickle.]

1.

To steep in pickle; to pickle.

"A soused gurnet."

Shak.

2.

To plunge or immerse in water or any liquid.

They soused me over head and ears in water. Addison.

3.

To drench, as by an immersion; to wet throughly.

Although I be well soused in this shower. Gascoigne.

 

© Webster 1913.


Souse, v. i. [Probably fr. OF. sors, p.p. of sordre to rise, and first used of an upward swood, then of a swoop in general, but also confused with Souse, v. t. See Source.]

To swoop or plunge, as a bird upon its prey; to fall suddenly; to rush with speed; to make a sudden attack.

For then I viewed his plunge and souse Into the foamy main. Marston.

Jove's bird will souse upon the timorous hare. J. Dryden. Jr.

 

© Webster 1913.


Souse, v. t.

To pounce upon.

[R.]

[The gallant monarch] like eagle o'er his serie towers, To souse annoyance that comes near his nest. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Souse, n.

The act of sousing, or swooping.

As a falcon fair That once hath failed or her souse full near. Spenser.

 

© Webster 1913.


Souse, adv.

With a sudden swoop; violently.

Young.

 

© Webster 1913.