souse
UK[saʊs]US[saʊs]
v
to put something, especially food, into a liquid
v
to make someone or something very wet
n
the liquid, such as vinegar or brine, used for pickling food
n
a state of being very drunk
Etymology
the word "souse" entered english from old french in the late middle english period, carrying the core idea of liquid immersion, particularly for preservation. the french term likely derived from a west germanic source, possibly related to words for brine or salt, reflecting its primary historical use in pickling and preserving food. over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically, applying to the act of drenching anything with liquid and, by the 16th century, to the state of being soaked in alcohol, hence "drunk." this etymological journey connects the practical action of preserving food in brine to the broader concepts of saturation and intoxication.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old french, where it had related meanings of pickling liquid and something soaked. its ultimate origin is unclear but may be from a low german or dutch source related to brine or salt.
Examples
she will souse the herrings in a vinegar marinade.
we got completely soused in the sudden downpour.
he ate the pork souse straight from the jar.