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jow

American  
[jou, joh] / dʒaʊ, dʒoʊ /

noun

  1. the ringing, tolling, or sound of a bell.


verb (used with object)

  1. to ring or toll (a bell).

  2. to hit or strike (especially the head).

verb (used without object)

  1. to rock from side to side.

Etymology

Origin of jow

1510–20; variant of joll (now dial.), Middle English jollen to strike < ?

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She had not gane a mile but twa,  When she heard the dead-bell ringing, And every jow that the dead-bell geid,  It cry'd, "Woe to Barbara Allan."

From Types of Children's Literature by Barnes, Walter

She had not gane a mile but twa, When she heard the dead-bell ringing,30 And every jow that the dead-bell geid, It cry'd "Woe to Barbara Allan!"

From English and Scottish Ballads, Volume II (of 8) by Various

Now Clinkumbell, wi’ ratlin tow, Begins to jow an’ croon; Some swagger hame, the best they dow, Some wait the afternoon.

From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert

Old Daddy hardly seemed impressed with the pleasure he had missed in losing a sociable "jow" with a ghostly crony.

From The Young Mountaineers Short Stories by Fraser, Malcolm

She had not gane a mile but twa,   When she heard the dead-bell ringing, And every jow that the dead-bell gied,   It cry'd, Woe to Barbara Allan!

From Ballad Book by Bates, Katherine Lee