from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bow \Bow\ (b[=o]), n. [Icel. b[=o]gr shoulder, bow of a ship.
See {Bough}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Naut.) The bending or rounded part of a ship forward; the
stream or prow.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) One who rows in the forward part of a boat; the
bow oar.
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{Bow chaser} (Naut.), a gun in the bow for firing while
chasing another vessel. --Totten.
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{Bow piece}, a piece of ordnance carried at the bow of a
ship.
{On the bow} (Naut.), on that part of the horizon within
45[deg] on either side of the line ahead. --Totten.
[1913 Webster]