Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - drench

 I. noun  Date: before 12th century  1. a poisonous or medicinal drink; specifically a large dose of medicine mixed with liquid and put down the throat of an animal  2.  a. something that ~es  b. a quantity sufficient to ~ or saturate  II. transitive verb  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English drencan; akin to Old English drincan to drink  Date: before 12th century  1.  a. archaic to force to drink  b. to administer a ~ to (an animal)  2. to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid)  3. to soak or cover thoroughly with liquid that falls or is precipitated  4. to fill or cover completely as if by soaking or precipitation was ~ed in furs and diamonds — Richard Brautigan  Synonyms: see soak  • ~er noun