(1):
(n.) The coarse and broken part of flax or hemp, separated from the finer part by the hatchel or swingle.
(2):
(v. t.) To draw or pull through the water, as a vessel of any kind, by means of a rope.
(3):
(v. t.) A rope by which anything is towed; a towline, or towrope.
(4):
(v. t.) The act of towing, or the state of being towed; - chiefly used in the phrase, to take in tow, that is to tow.
(5):
(v. t.) That which is towed, or drawn by a towline, as a barge, raft, collection of boats, ect.