From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Rouse \Rouse\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Roused} (rouzd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Rousing}.] [Probably of Scan. origin; cf. Sw. rusa to rush, Dan. ruse, AS. hre['o]san to fall, rush. Cf. {Rush}, v.]
1. To cause to start from a covert or lurking place; as, to rouse a deer or other animal of the chase.
Like wild boars late roused out of the brakes. --Spenser.
Rouse the fleet hart, and cheer the opening hound. --Pope.
2. To wake from sleep or repose; as, to rouse one early or suddenly.
3. To excite to lively thought or action from a state of idleness, languor, stupidity, or indifference; as, to rouse the faculties, passions, or emotions.
To rouse up a people, the most phlegmatic of any in Christendom. --Atterbury.
4. To put in motion; to stir up; to agitate.
Blustering winds, which all night long Had roused the sea. --Milton.
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