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tow

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Tow is defined as to drag behind, often with a rope or chain.

(verb)

An example of tow is for a truck to pull a disabled vehicle to the repair shop.

The definition of a tow is something being dragged, or the broken fibers of hemp or flax before spinning into thread.

(noun)

An example of a tow is a boat being pulled along by a truck.
An example of tow is a broken flax fiber.

Tow means related to a device for dragging.

(adjective)

An example of tow used as an adjective is the phrase "tow truck," which means a truck for pulling disabled vehicles.

See tow in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to pull by a rope or chain
to pull or drag behind

Origin: ME towen < OE togian < IE base *deuk-, to pull > duct

noun

a towing or being towed
something towed
towline

noun

the coarse and broken fibers of hemp, flax, etc. before spinning

Origin: ME < OE tow-, for spinning, akin to tawian: see taw

adjective

of or resembling tow

See tow in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb towed, tow·ing, tows

To draw or pull behind by a chain or line: a tugboat towing a barge. See Synonyms at pull.

noun

a. The act or an instance of towing.
b. The condition of being towed: a car with a trailer in tow.
Something, such as a tugboat, that tows.
Something, such as a barge or car, that is towed.
A rope or cable used in towing.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English towen

Origin: , from Old English togian; see deuk- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

towˈa·ble adjective

towˈer noun

noun

Coarse broken flax or hemp fiber prepared for spinning. See Regional Note at gunnysack.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , possibly from Old English tow-, spinning (in tow-crǽft, spinning craft, spinning)

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