bowssen

transitive verb

bows·​sen
ˈbau̇sᵊn
-ed/-ing/-s
in Cornwall
: to duck in water as a treatment for insanity

Word History

Etymology

modification of Cornish beuzi, bedhy, büdhy to drown, submerge; akin to Old Irish bāidim I drown (transitive), Welsh boddi to drown

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near bowssen

Cite this Entry

“Bowssen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowssen. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!