stow Meaning, Definition & Usage

Stow transitive verb

Etymology

OE. stowen, fr. stowe a place, AS. stow; cf. Icel. eldstoa fireplace, hearth, OFries. sto, and E. stand. *163.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Stowed ; present participle & verbal noun Stowing

Definitions

1. To place or arrange in a compact mass; to put in its proper place, or in a suitable place; to pack; as, to stowbags, bales, or casks in a ship's hold; to stow hay in a mow; to stow sheaves.

   Some stow their oars, or stop the leaky sides. Dryden.

2. To put away in some place; to hide; to lodge.

   Foul thief! where hast thou stowed my daughter? Shak.

3. To arrange anything compactly in; to fill, by packing closely; as, to stow a box, car, or the hold of a ship.