A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1375, 1504-1620, 1676-1700+
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Tow, v. Also: toll, togh. [ME and e.m.E. toȝe(n (Layamon), towe (14th c.), tow (?a1400), OE toᵹian, MLG togen, ON toga.] tr.
1. To tow or drag (a ship) on the water using a rope. Also in fig. context.1375 Barb. xvii 408.
With bargis by hyr gan thai row And pressyt thaim rycht fast to tow Hyr by the brighous to the wall 1504 Treasurer's Accounts II 437.
To the tua botis that tollit the kingis schip … xviij s. 1511 Treasurer's Accounts IV 337.
To vij botis at towit out the schip xxviij s. c1550 Balcarres P. MS V 75a.
To the boittis that towit the schipe furth of the hevin of Montros xxx s. c1620 Boyd Zion's Fl. App. vii/1.
When depths appeare, where through I cannot ride, In thy great barge me togh against the tide
2. To carry, bear the weight of.1554–5 Edinb. Old Acc. I 139.
Expensis maid upon the mending of the knok and half-hour … for down taking of the knok furth of the stepill … for ane cut of ane greit tre to tow the pais cords of the knok of the hour and half-hour
3. To raise or lower using a rope. Const. prep.1596 Dalr. I 27/11.
With lang towis and lathiris lattin doune thay are towit vpe 1614 Criminal Trials III 303.
The boy who wes send for the letter, wes towed over the castel wall be the deponer, and that he come back agane 1746 Stirling B. Rec. II 279.
His drum … was towed in over the walls
4. To ring (a bell) by pulling on its rope.1676 Elgin Rec. I 321.
The bell being towit ane quarter of ane hour at ilk tyme
