cow Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun female of domestic cattle: "`moo-cow' is a child's term"
    moo-cow.
  2. noun mature female of mammals of which the male is called `bull'
  3. noun a large unpleasant woman
  4. verb subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)
    overawe.

WordNet

Cow noun
Etymology
See Cowl a hood.
Definitions
  1. A chimney cap; a cowl
Cow noun
Etymology
OE. cu, cou, AS. c; akin to D. koe, G. kuh, OHG. kuo, Icel. kr, Dan. & Sw. ko, L. bos ox, cow, Gr. . Skr. g. Cf. Beef, Bovine, Bucolic, Butter, Nylghau.
Wordforms
plural Cows (kouz); old plural Kine
Definitions
  1. The mature female of bovine animals.
  2. The female of certain large mammals, as whales, seals, etc.
Cow transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. Icel. kuga, Sw. kufva to check, subdue, Dan. kue. Cf. Cuff, v. t.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Cowed present participle & verbal noun Cowing
Definitions
  1. To depress with fear; to daunt the spirits or courage of; to overawe.
    To vanquish a people already cowed. Shak.
    THe French king was cowed. J. R. Green.
Cow noun
Etymology
Prob. from same root as cow, v.t.
Definitions
  1. (Mining) A wedge, or brake, to check the motion of a machine or car; a chock. Knight.

Webster 1913