bow1
/
bəʊ/
n.
- a knot tied with two loops and two loose ends.
- a weapon for shooting arrows, made of a curved piece of wood joined at both ends by a taut string.
- a partially curved rod with horsehair stretched along its length, used for playing some stringed instruments.
- a curved stroke forming part of a letter (e.g. b, p).
- a metal ring forming the handle of a key or pair of scissors.
- N. Amer. a side piece or lens frame of a pair of glasses.
v.
play (a stringed instrument) using a bow.
Phrase
- have
(or add)
another string to one's bow
Brit. have a further resource available.
Etymology
OE boga ‘bend, bow, arch’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bow2.
bow2
/
baʊ/
v.
- bend the head or upper body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.
- bend or cause to bend with age or under a heavy weight.
- submit to pressure or demands.
-
(bow out)
withdraw or retire from something.
n.
an act of bowing.
Phrase
- bow and scrape
behave obsequiously. - make one's bow
make one's first formal appearance in a particular role. - take a bow
acknowledge applause by bowing.
Etymology
OE būgan ‘bend, stoop’, of Gmc origin; rel. to bow1.
bow3
/
baʊ/
n.
the front end of a ship.
Phrase
- on the bow
Nautical within 45° of the point directly ahead. - a shot across the bows
a warning statement or gesture.
Etymology
ME: from Low Ger. boog, Du. boeg, ‘shoulder or ship's bow’; rel. to bough.