English

Adjective

in tow

1. (of a vehicle, conveyance, etc.) Pulled by means of an attached line, such as a cable, chain, or rope.
   • 1842, James Fenimore Cooper, The Wing and Wing, ch. 13:

     "Do you remember the ship? . . . I mean the dismasted eighty-four that was in tow of the frigate."

   • 1944, "Freight Carriers, Gliders and Hospital Planes Take Part in Preview of Air Borne Unit's Show," Milwaukee Journal, 10 Dec., p. 1 (retrieved 9 Aug. 2010):

     Far down the field a C-47 cargo plane with two loaded gliders in tow began to move slowly up the runway.

2. (figuratively, usually of persons) Following or accompanying under the direction of another, as if attached by a line and being pulled.
   • 1903, Frank Norris, The Pit, ch. 2:

     "He's got a man from Cincinnati in tow, and they are going to dine at the Calumet Club."

   • 1987, "Central America: Speaking His Peace," Time, 5 Oct.:

     The House of Representatives hummed with excitement as Congressmen and Senators, many with their spouses and children in tow, awaited the man of the hour.

Adverb

in tow

1. (of a vehicle, conveyance, etc.) In a manner involving being pulled by means of an attached line.
   • 1896, G. A. Henty, A Knight of the White Cross, ch. 15:

     Presently the wind nearly died out, and the galley and prizes then took the coasters and fishing craft in tow.

2. (figuratively, usually of persons) In a manner of movement characterized by following another and being under the direction of that other, as if attached by a line and being pulled.
   • 1846, Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son, ch. 12:

     Doctor Blimber accompanied them; and Paul had the honour of being taken in tow by the Doctor himself.

   • 2005, William Mueller, Rome Revisited, ISBN 9781420816266, p. 10:

     Then with an impertinent presumption she came running out the front door with the maid moving in tow.

Synonyms

• (pulled by means of an attached line): on tow, under tow

References

• in tow at OneLook Dictionary Search