- thirst, lack of moisture. A good drouth is welcome on washday, because it means that atmospheric conditions are ideal for drying clothes outside. A drinker’s drouth is a symptom of dehydration, caused by an excess of alcohol the night before. If you are drouthy, you are in need of a drink like Souter Johnny, Tam o Shanter’s ancient trusted drouthy crony in the Burns’ poem (1791).