Crossword Genius

Took a shot and looked for water out west (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dosed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'took' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to bodily activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a shot and looked for water out west' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'shot' could be 'dose' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'dose' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'd' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dosed that I've seen before include "Administered a portion of medicine to" , "Treated with medicine" , "Medicated" , "Given shot" , "Administered a drug to" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app