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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DOUSEN, Doosen, v. To quieten, subdue (Bnff.2 1940).ne.Sc. a.1835 J. Grant Tales (1836) 62–63:
David Blair, . . . as reckless a widdifu' as cou'd ha'e been gotten in ten parishes . . . gat a fleg wi' the kelpie 'at dousen't him for a's days.

Hence doosener, something that has a crushing or subduing effect.Bnff.2 1928:
Sankey's gey quait on't noo. Fat the shirra said till 'im wiz an afa doosener.

[Douse s.v. Douce + -en, verb-forming suffix.]

9567

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