Bow

bow, v. [bowed (bowd), bowing.] To bend, inflect, make crooked or curved; to turn from a natural condition; to bend in respect, homage, condescension, etc.; to depre , subdue. — v. To bend, in token of reverence, civility, etc. — An inclination of the head or body, in token of respect, etc. [AS. bug an, Sw. bug a, Skr. bhuj, to bend.] — Bow'- er, n. Bow, bow, (JVaut.) The curving forepart of a ship; stem jprow; the bow-oar. [Dan. boug, bov, Sw. bog, OHG. puac — Bow'er, (Naut.) An anchor carried at the ship's bow, the second in size. — Bowline, bo'lTn, n. A rope whieh keeps the weather edge of a sail tight forward when the ship — is close-hauled. oar, bow'or, The oar— nearest the bow of a boat; the one who pulls sprit, boor bow-, A spar projecting from the bow of a ship, — sometimes called bolt sprit.