I. ˈdrau̇z verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: probably akin to Old English drūsan, drūsian to sink, become low, inactive, drēosan to fall — more at dreary
intransitive verb
1. : to be half asleep : fall into a light slumber — often used with off
drowsed off and awoke with a start
2. : to be inactive or present an appearance of peaceful inactivity or isolation
villages drowsing in the sun
transitive verb
1. : to make drowsy or inactive
the spells that drowse my soul — S.T.Coleridge
2. : to pass (time) drowsily or in drowsing — usually used with away
drowse away the afternoon
Synonyms: see sleep
II. noun
( -s )
: the act or an instance of drowsing : a light slumber : doze
nudged papa who was just falling into a drowse — J.T.Farrell