v. Obs. Also boossen, bous(s)en, bowsen. [ad. Cornish beuzi ‘to immerge, drown,’ according to Williams ‘a later form of bedhy, bidhy, or budhy, Breton beuzi, Welsh boddi to drown: (Bidhyzi, mentioned by Borlase, is a different word, being ‘a late form of bedidhia to dip, baptize,’ Breton badeza, Welsh bedydhio, ad. L. baptizā-re.)]
trans. To immerse or duck (in a holy well). Hence Bowssening vbl. sb.
1602. Carew, Cornwall, 123 a. There were many bowssening places, for curing of mad men … if there appeared small amendment he was bowssened again and againe.
1758. Borlase, Cornwall, 302. The Cornish call this immersion Boossenning, from Beuzi or Bidhyzi, in the Cornu-British, and Armoric, signifying to dip or drown.
1856. J. Allen, Hist. Liskeard, iv. 46. The spring … is said to have been used for bowsening or plunging an insane person suddenly, in order to restore him.
1865. L’Estrange, Yachting W. Eng., 300. Holy wells … used as bowssening, or ducking pools for the cure of madness.
