I. ˈrau̇z verb
( roused ; rous·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, to shake the feathers
Date: 1531
transitive verb
1. archaic : to cause to break from cover
2.
a. : to stir up : excite
was roused to fury
b. : to arouse from or as if from sleep or repose : awaken
intransitive verb
1. : to become aroused : awaken
2. : to become stirred
• rouse·ment ˈrau̇z-mənt noun
• rous·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1824
: an act or instance of rousing ; especially : an excited stir
III. noun
Etymology: alteration (from misdivision of to drink carouse ) of carouse
Date: circa 1601
1. obsolete : drink , toast
2. archaic : carousal