DOWSING

To plunge suddenly into water; to duck; to immerse.

To fall suddenly into water.

To put out; to extinguish.

To strike, beat, or thrash.

To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly

"Douse the topsail!"

To use the dipping or divining rod, as in search of water, ore, etc.

The practice of seeking water or other substances (usually liquid) with the aid of a forked stick or similar pointing device, as believed by some practitioners to derive from supernatural power.