Word Study
roust
CIDE DICTIONARY
roust, v. t.
To rouse; to disturb; as, to roust one out. [1913 Webster]
roust, n. [Cf. Icel. röst an estuary.].
A strong tide or current, especially in a narrow channel. Jamieson. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
roust, v.tr.
1 (often foll. by up, out) a rouse, stir up. b root out.
2 US sl. jostle, harass, rough up.
1 (often foll. by up, out) a rouse, stir up. b root out.
2 US sl. jostle, harass, rough up.
Idiom
roust around rummage.
Etymology
perh. alt. of ROUSE
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