Obs. local. Forms: 5 toughe, 7 tawe, 8 tow. [Agrees in form and sense with Norw. toge (for togje), Aasen.] Orig. an iron chain, later, a large iron link, attached to the heel of the turn-wrest plough, and by which this is drawn. Also called tow-chain.
1407. in Kennett, Par. Ant. (1818), II. 213. (Oxf. & Bucks.). Pro uno vomere et una cultura et dimid. Toughe cum uno Plowsho emptis, xxiiid.
1607. J. Carpenter, Plaine Mans Plough, 160. The Tawe, or that yron Rope which embracing the Beame, assureth it to the Tractory or Lambe.
1733. Tull, Horse-Hoeing Husb., xxi. 301. The Tow-Chain which fastens the Plow-Tail to the Plow-Head.
1796. J. Boys, Agric. Kent (1813), 52. The plough there being drawn by a long large iron link, called a tow, which comes from the axle of the carriage round the heel of the plough.
