Dictionary entry

Tow (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Tow (?), n. [Cf. Icel. taug a rope, from the same root as E. tow, v. t.] 1. A rope by which anything is towed; a towline, or towrope.

2. The act of towing, or the state of being towed;-chiefly used in the phrase, to take in tow, that is to tow.

3. That which is towed, or drawn by a towline, as a barge, raft, collection of boats, ect.