towboat

towboat
    n 1: a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
         [syn: {tugboat}, {tug}, {towboat}, {tower}]
    

Towboat \Tow"boat`\, n.
   1. A vessel constructed for being towed, as a canal boat.
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   2. A steamer used for towing other vessels; a tug.
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Tug \Tug\, n.
   1. A pull with the utmost effort, as in the athletic contest
      called tug of war; a supreme effort.
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            At the tug he falls,
            Vast ruins come along, rent from the smoking walls.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   2. A sort of vehicle, used for conveying timber and heavy
      articles. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
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   3. (Naut.) A small, powerful steamboat used to tow vessels;
      -- called also {steam tug}, {tugboat}, and {towboat}.
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   4. A trace, or drawing strap, of a harness.
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   5. (Mining.) An iron hook of a hoisting tub, to which a
      tackle is affixed.
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   {Tug iron}, an iron hook or button to which a tug or trace
      may be attached, as on the shaft of a wagon.
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