n. & v.
n. 1 a great flood. 2 (the Deluge) the biblical Flood (Gen. 6-8). 3 a great outpouring (of words, paper, etc.). 4 a heavy fall of rain.
v.tr. 1 flood. 2 inundate with a great number or amount (deluged with complaints).
[ ME f. OF f. L diluvium, rel. to lavare wash ]