Also 6 sows(s)ing, 7 sowcing. [f. SOUSE v.1]
1. The action or process of pickling. Also attrib. in sousing-drink, -tub. Now Obs. or dial.
1551–60. Invent. Sir H. Parker, in Hall, Eliz. Soc. (1887), 150. A sowssing Tubb for brawne.
1577. Harrison, Descr. Engl., 110/1. Changing the sowsing drincke least it should waxe soure.
1601. Yarington, Two Lament. Trag., III. ii. in Bullen, O. Pl., IV. 49. Chop of my head to make a Sowsing-tub.
1611. Cotgr., Solloūoir, a salting, or sowcing tub.
1617. J. Murrell, Bk. Cookerie (title-p.), The most commendable fashion of Dressing, or Sowcing, either Flesh, Fish, or Fowle.
2. A drenching; a thorough wetting.
1697. J. Lewis, Mem. Dk. Glocester (1789), 57. Indeed it proved a good sousing, as he was handsomely wetted from the crown to his feet.
1764. Foote, Mayor of G., II. Wks. 1799, I. 186. After all his marchings, his sousings, his sweatings.
1832. Miss Mitford, Village, Ser. V. (1863), 499. The satisfactory conclusion of the sousing.
1853. Kane, Grinnell Exp., xxvii. (1854), 224. After … some uncomfortable sousings in the snow-dust.
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 12 July, 13/2. This continual sousing … actually rots the hair and leads to baldness.
