adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 of, like, or covered with down.

- soft and fluffy.

n. (pl. -ies) property or money brought by a bride to her husband. [anglo-french, = french douaire *dower]

v. (-sing) search for underground water or minerals by holding a stick or rod which dips abruptly when over the right spot. dowser n. [origin unknown]

- var. Of *douse.

n. (fem. Doyenne) senior member of a group. [french: related to *dean1]

n. - (prec. By a or a number) (pl. Dozen) twelve (a dozen eggs; two dozen eggs).

- set of twelve (sold in dozens).

- (in pl.; usu. Foll. By of) colloq. Very many (dozens of errors). talk nineteen to the dozen talk incessantly. [latin duodecim twelve]

Abbr. Doctor of philosophy.

—n. - preliminary written version of a speech, document, etc., or outline of a scheme.

- a written order for payment of money by a bank. B drawing of money by this.

- a detachment from a larger group. B selection of this.

- us conscription.

- us = *draught. —v. - prepare a draft of (a document, scheme, etc.).

- select for a special duty or purpose.

- us conscript. [phonetic spelling of *draught]

—v. - draw off liquid from.

- draw off (liquid).

- flow or trickle away.

- dry or become dry as liquid flows away.

- exhaust of strength or resources.

- a drink to the dregs. B empty (a glass etc.) By drinking the contents. —n. - a channel, conduit, or pipe carrying off liquid, sewage, etc. B tube for drawing off discharge etc.

- constant outflow or expenditure. down the drain colloq. Lost, wasted. [old english: related to *dry]

n. Male duck. [origin uncertain]

n. - play for stage or broadcasting.

- art of writing, acting, or presenting plays.

- dramatic event or quality (the drama of the situation). [latin from greek drao do]